136 THE AUSTRALIAN NATURALIST. 
ing the previous June. The specimens were quite free from 
mould or decomposition, yet they were in a sufficiently soft 
condition for setting. It wag pointed out that by using one 
of these tins, which have been imported by Messrs. E. Cherry 
& Sons, specimens may with great ease be kept as pliable as 
if freshly caught and thus the trouble of setting immediately 
on ones return home after a tiring day’s collecting is avoided. 
Rosser Fry anp Bees.—I have frequently noticed one of 
the flies of the family Asis catching honey bees. The bee 
was pounced upon from above and held by the fly so that it 
could not use its sting. The fly pierced the bee at the back 
of the thorax and quickly sucked it dry. On Friday last, 22nd 
March, I was able to secure the fly with a bee which it had 
caught. Mr. Froggatt has identified the fly as 4 s//is murinus 
and the bee as the common hive bee 4 pis mellifica. In “‘Aus- 
tralian Insects’’ only an American species is mentioned as at- 
tacking bees, and it is interesting to find that an Australian 
species has also acquired this destructive habit.—Tom Guthrie, 
Burwood. 
EXCURSION. 
Mr. Fincxn’s Aquartum.—On Saturday, 9th March, 
Mrs. and Mr. H. E. Finckh were ‘‘at home’’ with the mem- 
bers of the Naturalists’ Club. About forty members attended 
and spent a most enjoyable afternoon. The aquaria work, 
especially the salt water aquaria, proved of great interest. 
Refreshments were served on the lawn and members left ox- 
pressing their sincere thanks to Mrs. and Mr. Finckh for 
their kindness and hospitality. 
