20 
Thus we see that the exception taken to subgenera is, on every 
ground, a “ fond thing vainly imagined,” and I trust that they will 
play an important part in the systematic work of the future. Though 
splitting up of genera seems almost inevitable with increasing know¬ 
ledge, it ought to proceed very slowly and cautiously, and the longer 
we can continue to retain defensibly the name of Ac/roth for the 
assemblage with which it is already associated (purged, no doubt, of 
the most notoriously discordant elements), the better satisfied we 
ought to be. 
I have already exceeded the time limit which I intended to set 
myself, and must reserve my remarks on appropriate generic charac¬ 
ters and differentiations for some other time or place. I will merely 
conclude by wishing the Society continued prosperity. 
REPORTS RE FIELD MEETINGS. 
•June 12th, 1909. — The excursion to Brentwood was—in accordance 
with the undesirable precedent of the previous year—almost entirely 
ruined by deplorable weather. The leader, who had appointed to lead 
two or three for the whole day, meeting the rest in the afternoon, found 
only one awaiting him at Bethnal Green Station, and the two decided 
not to proceed further unless conditions improved. In the late 
afternoon — far too late for the “official ” train—rain ceased, and one 
or two plucky members and friends made the journey and essayed a 
little collecting. Few insects were about, and the more interesting, 
such as Erastria venustula, did not show themselves at all.—Louis. B. 
Prout. 
June 20th, 1909.—An excursion to Leith Hill was arranged for 
this date, but no one put in an appearance at London Bridge station 
at the appointed time, owing to the morning having been wet. — Y. E. 
Shaw. 
July 9th, 1909.—The excursion to Wendover was rendered impos¬ 
sible by unfavourable weather. — H. R. Leach. 
xix. 
