The Zoologist/3rd series, vol 1 (1877)/Issue 2/Proceedings of Scientific Societies
PROCEEDINGS OF SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES.
Linnean Society of London.
December 21, 1876.—Prof. Allman, President, in the chair.
Mr. Thomas Christy (64, Claverton Street, S.W.) and Mr. Robert Drane (Queen Street, Cardiff) were balloted for and duly elected Fellows of the Society.
The Butterflies of Malacca formed the subject of a paper by Mr. A.G. Butler, of the British Museum. A number of new species were described, and a tabular view of the geographical relations given. The author states that of 258 species now registered from Malacca, 36 are endemic; of the remainder 65 also belong to Assam or Nepal, 38 to Moulmein, 33 to Ceylon, 94 to Penang, 46 to Singapore, 112 to Borneo, 41 to Sumatra, 87 to Java, 39 to Siam, 26 to China, 2 to the New Hebrides, and 6 to Australia. Thus Malaccan butterflies preponderate towards those of the Indian Region.
Two short notices on Hornbills were read. Craniorrhinus Waldeni is the name of a new Hornbill from the Island of Panay, one of the Philippines, and described by Mr. R. Bowdler Sharpe, who regards it as allied to C. cassidix. The specimen was obtained by Professor Steere (Univ. Michigan, U.S.) in a virgin forest in the mountainous ranges of the above island; the birds keeping high among the branches of dense-foliaged trees, only one specimen was procured. An extract from a letter from Dr. John Anderson contained some observations on Hydrocissa albirostris and Aceros subruficollis. These Hornbills are kept in the Aviary of the recently-founded Zoological Gardens of Calcutta, and, to the surprise of the writer, he observed that they devour small birds head foremost. They commence by tossing them about and breaking every bone of the body by passing the victim through their bill from side to side.
The genital armature in the European Rhopalocera formed the subject of some researches by Dr. Buchanan White. This entomologist, after a careful comparison of the external genital apparatus, holds that the parts in different genera and species exhibit such diversities as, in his opinion, to afford good distinguishing characters.
A new Crustacean, from Australia, Actamorpha erosa, was described by Mr. E.J. Miers. It was dredged at seven fathoms, and came up along with a number of Cancroidea, &c. To these, indeed, it bears so close a resemblance as at first to be mistaken for one of them, though subsequent examination has shown that structurally it undoubtedly belongs to the family of Leucosiidæ.
Mr. H.N. Moseley, one of the naturalists on board of H.M.S. 'Challenger,' having procured two new and remarkable forms of deepsea Ascidians, gave a detailed account of their appearance and anatomical peculiarities. The first of these aberrant forms, named by the author Hybythius calcycodes, was trawled in the North Pacific Ocean from a depth of 2900 fathoms. It is cup-shaped and stalked, and probably is allied to Boltenia; but it differs from this well-known genus, among other things, in possessing a series of cartilaginous plates, developed with symmetrical arrangement on its otherwise soft test. The second still more bizarre Ascidian has received the name of Octacnemus bythius, and this was raised from a depth of 1070 fathoms. Star-shaped, or of 8-rayed contour, its gill-sac is nearly horizontal, and gill network absent. Muscular prolongations of the tunic run into the curious conical protuberances of the test; the nucleus is contracted and small like that of Salpa. So far as present knowledge goes, this unique specimen is believed to be without living allies.
Mr. A.G.H. Doran communicated, through Prof. Flower, an extensive memoir on the small ear-bones, or ossicula auditus, of the Mammalia, the specimens referred to being deposited in the Osteological Gallery of the Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons. While dealing with these usually diminutive bones in extenso, the author more particularly confined himself to summarising the most noteworthy facts relative to those of the Insectivora, Cheiroptera, Cetacea, Sirenia, Edentata, Marsupialia, and Monotremata. In the first of these groups, the three little bones (hammer, anvil, and stirrup) present no positive or marked characteristic. Among the Bats there is a resemblance to what obtains in the Shrews, except in the genus Pteropus, where the malleus or hammer is of a lower type. Of Whales, Balæna has the most generalized type; the Dolphins have relatively stout stirrup arches and other marked features; the Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista) has slightly modified ossicula. Those of the Manatee group (Sirenia) are at once known and distinguished by their relatively great weight and their shape. The Edentata not only differ as a whole, but among the Armadillos distinctions of the ossicula exist, and Sloths and Ant-Eaters are known by special characters of their own. The Pouched Mammalia (Mursupialia) show a low grade in their small ear-bones; and a still lower form, approaching to that of birds and some reptiles, is evinced in the Echidna and Duck-billed Platypus (Ornithorhynchus paradoxus). The author's investigations and comparisons lead him to believe that even in such parts as these inner ear appurtenances generic and family characters are apparent, and that these are of some value when considered in connection with other features of a more distinctive character.
Two botanical papers were read, of which we need only append the titles, namely, a "Note on the Uses of a Commercial Cane termed 'Whangee,' a Species of Phyllostachys," by Mr. John R. Jackson, of Kew; and "Some Morphological Notes on certain Species of Thunbergia,"' by Mr. Marcus Hartog, of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Ceylon.
Zoological Society of London.
January 2, 1877.— Prof. Newton, F.R.S., Vice-President, in the chair.
The Secretary read a report on the additions that had been made to the Society's Menagerie during the month of December, and called attention to a Snowy Owl captured in Ireland, presented by Mr. John Kendall, and to the recent abundance of specimens of this bird.
Prof. Newton exhibited and made remarks on a specimen of a variety of the Guillemot (Alca troile), with yellow bill and legs, which had been lately shot by Mr. T.M. Pike on the coast of Dorset.
Prof. Garrod read a paper on the osteology and visceral anatomy of the Ruminantia, in which many facts concerning the anatomy of the Cervidæ and the Cavicornia were brought forward, especially with reference to the shape of the liver and the structure of the generative organs in these animals. Among the most important of these was the observation that the uterine mucous membrane of the Musk Deer (Moschus moschiferus) presents no indications of the presence of cotyledons, the contrary being the case in all other Ruminants. Professor Garrod likewise made a suggestion as to a proposed method of expressing the relations of species by means of formulæ.
A paper by Messrs. Sclater and Salvin was read, containing the descriptions of eight new species of South-American birds, namely, Euphonia Finschi, Pheuticus crissalis, Octhæca leucometopa, O. arenacea, Chloronerpes dignus, Celeus subflavus, Chamæpelia Buckleyi, and Crax erythrognatha.
Mr. R. Bowdler Sharpe read a paper on some new species of Warblers from Madagascar, which had been recently added to the collection in the British Museum, and were proposed to be called Apalis cerviniventris, Bæocerca flaviventris, and Dromæocercus brunneus, the last-named being a new genus.
A communication was read from Mr. G.S. Brady, containing notes on Freshwater Mites which had been obtained from lakes and ponds in England and Ireland.
January 16, 1877.—Prof. Newton, F.R.S., Vice-President, in the chair.
Capt. H.W. Feilden exhibited and made remarks on some of the birds collected by him in the Arctic Regions during the recent North Polar Expedition. Sixteen species were enumerated as having been met with on the shores of the Polar Basin, and north of 82° N.L., but some of these only occurred as stragglers.
The Rev. Canon Tristram exhibited and made remarks on a specimen of a rare terrestrial Dormouse (Eliomys melanurus), obtained by him in Southern Palestine, where it is found in desert places.
Mr. P. Sclater exhibited and called attention to a collection of Mammals, Birds, and Insects, which had been made by the Rev. George Brown during his recent residence in Duke of York Island, and during excursions to the neighbouring Islands of New Britain and New Ireland.
Prof. A.H. Garrod read a note on a variety of the Domestic Swine in the Society's collection, and pointed out that the presence of rudiments of a supplementary digit between the third and fourth digit might be the cause of the consolidation of the hoof, observable in this variety.
A communication was read by Mr. Henry Durnford containing notices of the habits of some small mammals obtained in the neighbourhood of Buenos Ayres.
A communication was read from Mr. Gerard Krefft, containing notes on a young Cassowary (Casuarius australis), which had been obtained from North Australia, and was destined for the Society's Collection.
A communication was read from Mr. G. French Angas, containing a description of a new species of Helix from South Australia, which he proposed to call Helix (Rhagada) Kooringensis.
A second paper by Mr. Angas contained the description of two genera and twenty species of marine shells from different localities on the coast of New South Wales.— P.L. Sclater.
Entomological Society of London.
December 6, 1876.— Sir Sidney Smith Saunders, C.M.G., Vice-President, in the chair.
Additions to the Library.
The following donations were announced, and thanks voted to the donors:—'Proceedings of the Royal Society,' nos. 173 and 174; presented by the Society. 'The Zoologist' and 'Newman's Entomologist' for December; by T.P. Newman. 'Entomologist's Monthly Magazine' for December; by the Editors. 'The Naturalist; Journal of the West Riding Consolidated Naturalists' Society,' no. 17; by the Society. 'Nature,' nos. 366–370; by the Publishers. 'A Monographic Revision and Synopsis of the Trichoptera of the European Fauna;' by the Author, Robert McLachlan. 'British Gall Insects;' by the Author, Albert Müller, of Basle. 'The Canadian Entomologist,' vol. viii., nos. 9 and 10; by the Editor. 'L'Abeille,' no. 182; by the Editor. 'La Famille des Ephemerines,' par le Rev. A.E. Eaton, traduit de l'Anglais; by the Translator, Dr. Emile Joly. 'Tijdschrift voor Entomologie,' 3e & 4e Aflevering, 1875–6; by the Entomological Society of the Netherlands. 'Entomologische Monographieen,' von Dr. Fr. Klug: presented by Edward Sheppard, Esq. 'Die Schmetterlinge Deutschlands und der Schweiz,' Band ii., Heft 2; by the Authors, H. v. Heinemann and Dr. Wocke. 'Genera Cimicidarum Europæ,' disposuit O.M. Reuter; 'Capsinæ en America boreali in Museo Holmiensi asservatæ,' descriptæ ab O.M. Reuter; 'Bidrag till Kännedomen om Syrphus flugornas larfver och puppor,' af Filip Trybom; 'Species Tortricum et Tinearum Scaudinaviæ,' enumeravit H.D.J. Wallengren; 'Insecta Transvaaliensia, Bidrag till Transvaalska Republikens i Södra Afrika Insekt-fauna,' af H.D.J. Wallengren; 'Tvenne för Skandinaviens Fauna nya Pyralider,' af H.D.J. Wallengren; by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences of Stockholm.
Election of Members.
M. Eduard Gruhe, Director of the Zoological Collection in the University of Breslau, and Dr. Katter, of Putbus, in the Island of Rügen, were balloted for and elected Foreign Members. Lord Dormer, formerly a Subscriber to the Society, was re-elected a Subscriber.
Exhibitions, &c.
Mr. McLachlan (on behalf of Mr. W. Denison Roebuck, of Leeds) exhibited some locusts, a swarm of which had been observed to pass over Yorkshire during last autumn. He had examined the specimens carefully, and had compared them with the descriptions of the two species which occasionally visited this country, viz., Pachytylus migratorius and P. cinerascens; and he had come to the conclusion that the specimens belonged to P. cinerascens, which he remarked was supposed to breed in some parts of the north of Europe, and therefore might be expected more frequently in this country.
Mr. W.C. Boyd exhibited living larvæ of Brachycentrus subnubilus, in their quadrilateral cases, reared from the eggs. They were of much larger size than those previously exhibited by him at the November meeting in 1873, being more than half an inch long.
Mr. S. Stevens (on behalf of Mr. Edwin Birchall) exhibited a specimen of Cirrhœdia xerampelina, var. unicolor, Agrotis Lucernea, var. latens, and what appeared to be a small var. of Zygæna filipendulæ, with the pupa-case and cocoon. They were all taken by Mr. Birchall in the Isle of Man.
Mr. Meldola referred to a request made by Mr. Riley at the meeting in July, 1875, that entomologists would supply him with the cocoons of the parasite, Microgaster glomeratus, which were much wanted in America to destroy the numerous specimens of Pieris rapæ which had been imported into that country. Mr. McLachlan had at a subsequent meeting stated that M. glomeratus was parasitic on P. brassicæ, but doubted if it ever attacked P. rapæ, and Mr. Meldola now exhibited the insects he had found parasitic on these two species—that on P. rapæ being Pteromalus imbutus, Waltl. (one of the Chalcididæ), while on P. Brassicæ he had observed Microgaster glomeratus and a Dipterous species, Tachina angusta. Specimens of all of them were exhibited. Mr. E.A. Fitch remarked that Van Vollenhoven had obtained Pimpla examiuator from P. Napi.
Mr. Smith stated that he had received a nest of Osmia muraria, sent to him from Switzerland. The cells were empty, the Osmiæ having taken their departure, but one closed cell was observed to contain a yellow larva, which ultimately proved to be that of a beetle belonging to the Cleridæ, Trichodes alvearius.
Mr. Hamilton James, of Truro, forwarded a photograph of a specimen of Deiopeia pulchella, taken on the 12th October last at Portscatter, near Falmouth, stating that it was considered a very rare insect in Cornwall.
Sir Sidney S. Saunders exhibited a large box of insects of all orders, which had been collected in Corfu by Mr. Whitfield, and were now for sale.
Sir Sidney Saunders also exhibited several larvæ of Meloïdæ in their first stage, received from M. Jules Lichtenstein, of Montpellier, consisting of—
1. The primary larval form of Sitaris Colletes (Mayet), found on Colletes succincta, feeding on ivy-blossoms in September, the former described by M. Valéry Mayet in the 'Annales' of the French Entomological Society, 1875.
2. The same larval stage of Mylabris melanura obtained from the egg, which M. Lichtenstein had not succeeded in rearing to the second stage. Like other larvæ of Meloïdæ in their primary form, it is furnished with triple tarsal appendages. A description of this larva will appear in the aforesaid 'Annales.'
3. The exuviæ of the primary larva of Meloë cicatricosus (from the egg), and also the second stage of the same larva, still bearing legs.
4. The primary larva of Meloë proscarabæus (?), differing from the foregoing in the structure of the antennæ. Taken on an Andrena.
5. The corresponding larval stage of Meloë autumnalis (?), also differing as aforesaid. Taken on Scolia hirta.
Also specimens of the Phylloxera of the vine in various stages, consisting of—a. The root-type; b. The leaf-gall type; c. The winged stage; d. The male of the apterous sexual race.
Mr. C.O. Waterhouse made some remarks on the 'Catalogus Coleopterorum' of Gemminger and v. Harold, the concluding volume of which was now published. The total number of generic names given is 11,618, of which 7364 are adopted genera, and 4254 appear as synonyms. The total number of species recorded is 77,008. Dejean's first Catalogue, published in 1821, gave 6692 species, while that of 1837 (the third edition) gave 22,399 species, of which, however, only a portion were then described. Taking into consideration the number of species described during the publication of the Munich Catalogue, the number of described species at the present date could not be less than 80,000. Thus, since 1821, the known species of Coleoptera had increased twelvefold.
Mr. C.O. Waterhouse read "Descriptions of Twenty New Species of Coleoptera from various Localities."
Annual Meeting, January 17, 1877.—Sir Sidney Smith Saunders, C.M.G., Vice-President, in the chair.
An Abstract of the Treasurer's Accounts for 1876 was read by Mr. Dunning, one of the Auditors, showing a balance of £6 8s. in favour of the Society.
The Secretary then read the Report of the Council for 1876.
The following gentlemen were elected Members of Council for 1877:—Sir Sidney Smith Saunders, Professor Westwood, Rev. A.E. Eaton, Rev. T.A. Marshall, and Messrs. H.W. Bates, G.C. Champion, J. W. Douglas, J.W. Dunning, F. Grut, R. Meldola, E. Saunders, H.T. Stainton, and J. Jenner Weir.
The following officers were subsequently elected for the year 1877:—President, Professor Westwood, M.A., F.L.S., &c.; Treasurer, J. Jenner Weir; Hon. Secretaries, Messrs. F. Grut and R. Meldola; Hon. Librarian, Rev. T.A. Marshall.
The President (Prof. Westwood) having been unfortunately prevented from attending by an accident, the reading of his Address on the progress of Entomology for the past year was unavoidably postponed until the next meeting, on the 7th February.
A cordial vote of thanks was given to the President, with an expression of regret at the cause of his absence on this occasion. A vote of thanks was also given to the Treasurer and Secretaries.—F.G.