Journal of Proceedings.
xi
another generation became possible in the season, but certain individuals
in a brood always exhibit a tendency to revert to the normal habits and
form of the species. Mr. Cole also adverted to the fact that the
occasional occurrence of such specimens would be of advantage to the
species in affording a cross between individuals which had developed
under very different conditions.
Mr. Robarts and the President made some remarks, the latter
pointing out that Mr. Edwards's experiments with Papilio Ajax had
afforded very similar results.
Mr. Cole also exhibited a series of specimens of Ennomos angularia,
being the result of an experiment designed to test the influence of
food on the colour and markings of insects. No definite influence could
be traced to the kind of food on which the caterpillars had fed, although
as naturally might be expected, different plants possessed very different
nourishing properties. Also a very curious (Gynandromorphous) speci-
men of the pretty silver-studded Blue Butterfly (Lvcaena aegon), the
wings on the right side being similar to those of the male insect, whilst
those of the left side were of the female type. This specimen was
captured at Loughton, in June, 1868.
Mr. English read a note on a new method of preserving plants for
the Herbarium, so as to retain much of their natural colours and form.
(Trans. Vol. I., p. 71.) The author exhibited specimens in illustration
of his remarks, and asked for the assistance and co-operation of mem-
bers in his endeavours to bring the process to perfection.
Mr. English also exhibited the White Weasels referred to at the
last meeting, and a fine specimen of the Long-eared Owl (Otis vulgaris)
from Magdalen Laver, in the stomach of which he had found the
remains of a Song Thrush.
At the Conversazione, Mr. C. Oldham showed some fine "cut" speci-
mens of fossil Madrapores, collected by himself on the South Devon
coast; Mr. Lindsay, specimens of the minute Primrose (Primula minu-
tissima), and P. rosea from N.India; and Mr. English specimens of
the Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa) with "double" flowers, and an
Albino variety of the Dog-violet (V, canina) from Epping; Chrysosple-
nium oppositifolium (Golden Saxifrage) from Ongar Park, and a white
variety of the Common Primrose (P. vulgaris) from the Forest.
It was announced that at the meeting on May 29th, Mr. Henry
Walker, F.G.S., would give a lecture entitled "A Day's Elephant
Hunting in Essex," and that a class for the study of practical botany,
open to members of the Club, would be commenced, provided the names
of a sufficient number of students were received.* Also that a Field
Meeting would be held on May 8th or 15th, for the purpose of visiting
the ancient earthworks in the Forest.
* Sufficient interest not being shown by the local members in the project, it was
subsequently decided not to hold the classes, at any rate just then.—Ed.