18 
our more or less difficult groups of Noctme is almost a probability. 
Already we are told that there is sufficient evidence to show that we 
have four species in our British group of Hydroecia. It is not many 
years since we were satisfied to place all these British species under the 
name of nidi tans, until Mr. Tutt convinced us that we had two others, 
viz., I ii cfins and pain din. It is not unreasonable to conclude that if we find 
divisions in this genus we may expect further similar discoveries. 
Dr. T. A. Chapman has long since demonstrated the utility of 
investigation in this direction, and has shown us that by this means 
the two species of Acronicta /mi and tridens can be decided with 
certainty. Some time ago some very curious results were obtained by 
examining the genitalia of certain series of psi and tridens, which Dr. 
Chapman had bought from well known collections, when under the 
hammer, for the express purpose of examination; the result was 
scarcely creditable to the acumen or accuracy of the collectors. 
The excursions of our Society during the first part of the summer 
were fairly successful. The first was to Ranmore Common on the 23rd 
of May, conducted by Mr. Prout. Although the weather was fine, the 
insects to be seen were remarkably few, possibly owing to the really 
winter weather that Ave had experienced only a month before. Deep 
snow in April is a thing we rarely see, and I have no doubt that the 
abnormal April weather this year has accounted for the scarcity of so 
many things this summer. Our second excursion Avas to Oxshott, on 
the 18th June, conducted by Mr. Kaye. On this occasion the Aveather 
Avas fine, but the Avind was remarkably cold, particularly on the exposed 
heath land, Avhere nothing Avas to be found; but among the pines, 
Avhere it Avas more sheltered, there was a moderate number of species 
taken. The third and last outing Avas on the 4th July, to Mucking, 
and Rev. C. R. N. BurroAvs kindly asked the members to accept his 
hospitality; unfortunately the Aveather Avas deplorable, and only a 
very feAV of us put in an appearance. At one time the rain held up 
sufficiently to let one or tAvo of the more venturesome investigate a 
little of the surrounding country, Avhich largely consists of grass land 
intersected by ditches containing reeds and other marsh plants Avhich 
produce a rich insect fauna of the marsh-loving species ; but OAving to 
the sodden state of the vegetation Ave AA’ere scarcely able to take a single 
insect. NeA’ertheless, Avith such a host, and Avith so much material to 
examine indoors, a very agreeable excursion was made. 
Although, as a Avhole, the season has been a \-ery poor one, a certain 
number of collectors have been fortunate, and have done well, but 
information from varied sources points to the fact that the majority 
have much to complain of. Among our own members there has been 
some very good field work done. Andreniformis has been Avorked at 
Avith great success by more than one of our members, Avbile Mr. 
Willsdon has been successful in obtaining Alucita graphodactylus, and 
has given the Society the benefit of some notes on its larval stages. 
There have been feAver records than usual of the capture of most 
of our rarefies or occasional visitors, Avith the marked exception of 
Leucania vitellina. This species has been taken in unusual numbers, 
and the season may be considered quite a vitellina year. The home or 
head-quarters of this insect appears to be in South Devon, but it has 
also been taken this year by Mr. Tautz on the Dorset coast in con- 
xviii. 
