88 
REPORTS OF SOCIETIES. 
Under the microscopes, Mr. Moore, specimens of wasp paper, showing 
in some pieces bands of scalariform tissue, and in others a utilisation 
of insect remains; Mr. J. W. Neville, Flustra episcopalis, from New 
Zealand; Mr. Rodgers, stellate hairs of Elaeagnus; Mr. Hawkes, 
sponge spicules, Muricea luniformis ; Mr. Grew, flea of Hedgehog, 
Fule.v erinacei. February 2nd.—Mr. Moore showed under the micro¬ 
scope first and third leg of Honey Bee, with pollen brush and basket ; 
Mr. J. W. Neville, larva of Orgyia pudibunda, mounted whole, popu¬ 
larly known as the Hop Dog. Mr. W. Tylar then read a paper, 
“ Notes on the Hydra,” which traced the early history of observations 
on this polype, and described the four kinds found in this country. The 
peculiarities of their structure were noticed at some length, with the 
various kinds of thread-cells, some so small as only to be seen with 
very high objectives ; supposed muscular and nervous system ; and the 
simplicity of their digestive organs. The paper also described their 
power of repairing injury and building up a complete polype from a 
small part, their various modes of reproduction, and the parasites 
frequenting them ; and concluded by describing a ready method of 
killing them with their tentacles extended, and the most suitable 
medium for mounting them in. The paper was illustrated by diagrams 
and microscopic preparations. February 9tli.—Mr. Hawkes exhibited 
a specimen of large Mussel and ether shells from Peru ; also specimens 
of silver ore. Under the microscopes Mr. Tylar showed crystals of 
oxalate of potash ; Mr. Moore, pulmonary plates of Spider, stained ; 
Mr. J. W. Neville, Oak Apple Fly, Cynips terminalis; Mr. Sanderson, 
spores of a New Zealand Fern, Steichenia Jiabellata; Mr. Hawkes, 
Gamasus coleopterorum. February 16tli.—Mr. Moore exhibited a 
collection of Ichneumon Flies and their nests. Under the micro¬ 
scopes, Mr. Tylar, transverse section of Rat’s tongue, injected, and 
Hydra vulgaris stained with osmic acid, showing filaments projecting 
from thread cells. Mr. J. A. Grew then read a paper, “ Insect 
Tragedies,” which pointed out that the classification of insects had 
received more attention than their habits, economy, and instincts, and 
described the predacious habits of many, both in the larval and imago 
stage ; showing that from the number of their foes an extraordinary 
fecundity was a necessity against their extermination. The paper 
concluded by describing some uses of insects, certain protective 
disguises, and the necessity of Nature preserving a balance of power. 
LEICESTER LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY.— 
Section D.— Zoology and Botany. —Chairman : F. T. Mott, F.R.G.S. 
Monthly Meeting, February 18tli. Attendance, fourteen (five ladies). 
Exhibits: Fruit of a cucurbitaceous plant from Madeira, called 
“ Chou-chou,” used as a vegetable ; specimen of the fresh-water shell 
(Planorbis corneiis) from the Soar, near Leicester, by the Chairman; 
a parasitic mite from the common house-fly, mounted as a microscopic 
slide, by Mr. Grundy. Paper, by the Chairman, “ On the weapons of 
animals,” showing how carnivorous habits necessitate the use of 
weapons both of offence and defence; describing how nearly every 
external organ of the body has been modified for this purpose under 
various conditions of life ; how a variety of special growths in the 
shape of horns, spurs, stings, Ac., have also been developed in certain 
families ; and how man, though the most widely spread and most 
omnivorous of large animals, is the most naturally defenceless, his 
superior brain power enabling him to provide artificial weapons and so 
to keep his limbs in the best condition for other uses. 
