23 
air is responsible for the decrease, not only in the Satyr idee, but of many 
other genera. These remarks can be applied with still greater force to 
many of our Northern and Western districts. 
This year two additions have come under my notice of the ever- 
increasing number of Lepidoptera that have developed a melanic 
tendency. One is that of Dasychira pudibunda, which is recorded in 
the “ Entomologist” by Major Robertson, and is described as black, and 
the other is that of Acidalia viryularia, which was exhibited by Mr. 
Heath at one of our meetings. Both these, I believe, are new 
developments. The explanation of the increase in melanism in many 
of our Lepidoptera is still held in abeyance by those who are making 
a special study of the subject, but I think the average entomologist is 
beginning to see that there is more than one influence at work in the 
production of melanic specimens. There are those species from the 
far north of our islands which practically speaking have always been 
melanic ; this may well be attributed to a general hardening of the 
insect, through stress of weather, as in most cases the insects so 
affected are not only darker than those reared in a more congenial 
climate, but are also frequently of a smaller size, such as Noctua 
ylaregsa, the dark ones here are distinctly smaller. Then the dark 
form of Triphaena comes does not run as large as southerners. 
Emmelesia albulata var. thules is another example. Although I should 
not like to say this reduction in size is absolutely invariable, yet it is 
sufficiently pronounced to have some bearing on the subject. Then 
we have other species that have great adaptability to environment, the 
most noticeable being Gnophos obscurata, which can assume almost 
any hue to suit its surroundings. But the great majority of melanic 
species are of modern production, and it seems reasonable to assume 
that the same contaminated atmosphere which is reducing the number 
of our Satyr id a and others, is responsible for the increase of 
melanism by some action which possibly in time will be satisfactorily 
explained. 
Before concluding, I should like to thank the officers of the 
Society for their services during the past year. As will be seen, we 
have had to make important alterations owing to the retirement of 
some of the officers. I am glad to say that we have been able to 
secure our late Secretary Mr. Bell’s services in another capacity. As 
already said, our Society has suffered many losses during the last year 
or two, and in consequence of this we have had to contend with a 
period of some depression. Therefore it is to the young blood that we 
look for revival; this, I am happy to say, is in evidence, and I trust 
that before long the gaps will be filled. 
Possibly it might have been better for the Society to have elected 
another President, but as it seems your desire that I should continue 
my services for another year, I can only bow to your decision, and we 
must all do our best to make the meetings as interesting as possible. 
This can largely be attained by an ample supply of exhibits, which, 
whether common or otherwise, frequently’’ produce points of interest 
of an unexpected character. 
I will conclude by expressing my warm appreciation of your confidence 
in once more electing me as your President, and my sincere wish for 
the prosperity^ of our Society. 
xxi. 
