THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
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Mollusca of Essex, and as giving a great number of new observations, the
result of a critical examination of all known collections. He also alluded to
the kindness shown by Mr. Webb in bringing up with him from Chelmsford
the various specimens displayed, and also to Mr. Webb's own contributions to
this interesting subject.
A vote of thanks to the authors of the paper and to Mr. Webb, was
passed.
[The paper will appear in a succeeding part of the Essex Naturalist.]
The second paper was an Address on '' Variation in Lepidoptera,'' by
Mr. J. W. Tutt, F.E.S., President of the City of London Entomological
Society (Editor of the Entomologists' Record and Journal of Variation), which was
read by the author. The Address treated of the following subjects:—Origin
of the colours of insects: Structure of the scales of insects; Pigmentary and non-
pigmentary colours; General variation ; Influence of Natural Selection in special
cases; Melanism; Albinism: Colour as a secondary sexual character: Seasonal
dimorphism; Spring and summer seasonal forms; Wet and dry seasonal forms of
insects; Geographical races or varieties; Aberrations ; bearing of variation on the
origin of species.
Mr. Tutt illustrated his remarks by several cabinet trays of specimens
of variable English Lepidoptera from his own fine collection, and Mr. Cole
exhibited sets of specimens illustrating the same subject, as well as dimorphism
and seasonal variation.
A short discussion ensued, in which the President, Prof. R. Meldola
(to whose Presidential Address to the Entomological Society in January last,
on "The Utility of specific characters and Physiological Correlation"
Mr. Tutt had referred) and the author, took part.
A cordial vote of thanks to Mr. Tutt for his interesting address was
passed, and the meeting resolved itself into the usual Conversazione.
THE 17TH ANNUAL MEETING.
Saturday, March 27TH, 1897.
The 17th Annual General Meeting of the Club was held in the small hall at
the Loughton Lopping Hall, at 6.30, Mr. David Howard, President, in the
Chair.
The minutes of the 16th Annual Meeting held on March 28th, 1896,
and printed in the Essex Naturalist, vol. ix., pp. 204-206, were taken
as read.
The Treasurer's Statement of Account, duly signed by the Auditors,
Mr. Walter Crouch and Mr. J D. Cooper was read by Mr. Waller, together
with a short report on the same (see page 17.)
The Report of the Council for the year 1896 was read by the Secretary
(see page 16) as well as a short report by Mr. Durrant (who was not present)
on the Library.
The Statement and Report were received and adopted.
At the meeting on March 6th last, the following members were duly
proposed for Election into the Council :—