PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 
37 
formed the staple of the society’s proceedings, he considered that carefully-prepared 
observations on the habits of insects possessed a still higher value and interest, more 
especially when such habits exercised an important economical influence, whether 
beneficial or injurious. He also wished to observe, that, in discussions like that 
which had just taken place, and to which he had listened throughout with the 
utmost attention and pleasure, it would be a great advantage if a month’s notice 
could be given, in order that members might have the opportunity of refreshing 
their memories by referring to what had been previously written on the subject—in 
fact, of “ reading up,” so to speak, for the occasion—for we really came as it were 
unprepared, and treated almost as new a subject to which our best entomologists 
had already given their earnest attention. With regard to the opinions advanced 
and ably advocated by Captain Cox, he inclined to offer two remarks. First, in 
reference to the Scolytus attacking young and sound trees, he thought the Captain’s 
views were fully borne out by the sound and healthy wood of a young tree which 
was exhibited, and in which the ravages of the insect had been closely watched 
from their very commencement until they caused the death of the trees: this view 
was also in accordance with his (the President’s, own observations on the trees in 
Camberwell Grove, where he had for years watched the progress of the pest, and 
found it extended indifferently to old and young, sound and unsound trees. The 
other remark he wished to make was, that he dissented from Captain Cox’s opinion, 
that any poison was diffused by the insects, either in the case of the Cossus or 
Scolytus ; he attributed the injury to simple mechanical causes, since the galleries 
or perforations of these insect-pests either arrested the flow of sap altogether, or 
diverted it from the ordinary channels; the admission thus given to rain-water, 
and also to other insects, likewise tended to accelerate decay. 
Mr. Wallace read the concluding portion of “Notes on the Habits of the But¬ 
terflies of the Amazonian Valley.” 
Mr. Westwood, in reference to a remark in Mr. Wallace’s paper, that a certain 
species of Hesperia, with a beautiful under-surface, sat with its wings erect, 
observed that Nature generally provided that adornments of this kind should be 
exhibited; it was particularly the case with the Catocalidse, which, having very 
beautiful under-wings, rested with the upper wings open, so that the under-wings 
were exposed. 
Mr. Curtis differed from Mr. Westwood; he thought that in the genus Catocala, 
especially in C. nupta, this was not the case.—J. W. D. (Zoologist.) 
LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION OF KILKENNY. 
DECEMBER 9, 1853. 
The December meeting was held at the Tholsel Rooms, on Friday evening, 
9th ultimo, 
Dr. Cane in the chair. 
The routine business having been transacted, the Secretary, Dr. Lalor, announced 
the following donations:— 
A whip made of the lace tree of Jamaica, presented by Dr. William Swan, staff* 
surgeon. 
A small but neatly carved Burmese idol of alabaster, a most favourable specimen 
of the art of the Burmese; by Surgeon Langley, 62nd Regiment. 
The Report of the Natural History Society of Northumberland, Durham, and 
Newcastle-upon-Tyne; by the Committee. 
A Dutch bottle found at the Rabbit-borough, Tramore; by Captain Helsham. 
Mr. Cotton, Waterford and Kilkenny Railway Company, was unanimously elected 
a member. 
Mr. Rawnsley read his paper on “ Cruelty to Animals.” 
