58 The N.Z. Journal of Science and Technology. [Feb. 
entrance of its burrow and closes the entrance with a* plug of silk. The 
pupa differs from others known in having a special chitinous growth or 
mask on its anterior end, of such a shape as to resemble very closely the 
head of a wasp. The object of this singular structure appears to be intimi¬ 
date enemies whilst the pupa is in the act of emerging from its burrow, 
as the wasp-like anterior portion would be projected from the burrow for 
some time before the imago could make its escape. Insectivorous birds 
and other enemies would thus presumably mistake the harmless pupa for 
a formidable wasp just about to leave its burrow. 
UNIVERSITY AND SCIENTIFIC NEWS. 
Geography as a University Subject. 
In the last calendar of the University of New Zealand appears for the first 
time a syllabus of instruction in geography as a subject for the B.A. degree. 
For some time past useful courses upon the economic aspect of geography 
have been given in several colleges as part of the requirements for the degree 
of Bachelor of Commerce, but so far no study has been made of the physical 
aspect. We note from the recently issued calendar of the University of 
Otago that this will now be undertaken by that body. The subject will 
be treated as a science and presented with an adequate amount of practical 
work. The physical and general geography will be dealt with by the Professor 
of Geology, Dr. Benson. It comprises a study of various types of land 
forms and the natural modifying agents, which will be illustrated by field 
excursions, the actual mapping of small areas serving as illustration for 
the study and interpretation of topographic maps. The elements of ocean¬ 
ography, of meterology, and the principles of weather forecasting, will also 
be indicated. In addition there will be the consideration of the distri¬ 
bution of the chief types of vegetation and of animals, and their relation 
to physiographic controls. Several lectures by Mr. Skinner (Lecturer in 
Anthropology) upon the chief races of mankind and their distribution as 
affected by physiographic conditions will also form an important part of 
the course. The practical determination of latitude and time, the cause 
of the seasons, &c., are also considered in the practical course. 
The Lecturer in Economics, the Yen. Archdeacon Woodthorpe, will 
undertake the work on economic geography, which, in addition to the 
formal lectures, will include a laboratory study of statistics to show the 
control of production by physiographic conditions. 
This course should be of especial value to those preparing to teach 
geography in our schools. Under the present arrangement the course as 
given in Otago will occupy five or six hours' class work per week, with 
excursions on several Saturday afternoons, and will cover the requirements 
for the subject of geography for the B.A. course, and the two subjects of 
physiography and commercial geography for the teachers’ C certificate 
examination. A portion of the course, excluding the practical work in 
physical and general geography, and occupying two or three hours per 
week, will suffice for the requirements of economic geography for the 
B.Com. degree and for the C certificate in commercial geography. (The 
larger figure in each case refers to the time-table for the second term.) 
In the present conditions the need for an extended knowledge of 
geography is increasingly evident, and the attention of the student is in 
these courses directed particularly to the features of the British Empire, 
