118 
VISIT TO THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION. 
sides by a black crescent ; the posterior wings have a similar band of orange spots* 
generally three white spots towards the base, a large white spot near the centre, 
and a very irregular row behind the x middle, with a broad white central patch 
connecting it with the orange band. Fringe of all the wings white, spotted at 
regular intervals with brown. Very variable in its markings, as may be seen 
above. Caterpillar unknown. The perfect insect appears in June and July, and 
we are informed, by Mr. Wm. Gardiner, that the best time for captures is in 
the morning, when they may be found resting on the culms of the Grasses. 
La 20 Park Cottage , near St. Andrews , 
October 15, 1838. 
SOME ACCOUNT OF A VISIT TO THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION 
AT NEWCASTLE. 
By a Member. 
As many of the readers of The Naturalist may not have been present at the 
meeting of the Association, a few remarks on subjects that do not fall within the 
range of the ordinary reports of its proceedings may not be unacceptable. The 
month fixed for the meeting this year was better than that of preceding years, 
not only in adding to the pleasure of travelling, excursions, &c., but being more 
adapted to the convenience of members generally. Having secured a place by 
coach a week before-hand, I arrived with a party of the u wise men”—as the 
Newcastellians were pleased to yclep the members—early on the Sunday 
morning. Preparations had been made on every side, and the good people of 
Newcastle, supposing probably that, like the Magi of old, the “ wise men’ of the 
present generation were come from the East, with gold, and frankincense, and 
myrrh, as well as science, determined to have their share of the former as well as 
the latter. Accordingly, a most extravagant charge was made for lodgings, and 
even the hotel-keepers doubled the price of their accommodations. However, 
after some expostulation, and the general resistance of the members to such im¬ 
position, the people became more reasonable, and no instance occurred to my know¬ 
ledge of any philosopher leaving the town from sheer necessity. Most extraordinary 
exertions had been made to receive the Association worthily : but surely the spirit 
that dictated so much for merely pleasure and amusement, is inimical to the real 
interests of the institution. It is not maintained that its interests have at 
present suffered; but if recreation and amusement are to form the great objects of 
attraction in joining the British Association, it needs no great foresight to prophecy 
