Journal of Proceedings. v
The Rev. F. A. Walker, B.D., F.L.S., communicated two papers
entitled, "Hunstanton and its neighbourhood in 1878" and "Hunstanton
and its neighbourhood as visited in 1880." These were voluminous
papers, giving details of the Architecture and Archaeology of the village,
with notes on the Natural History of the Coast, &c.
Mr. W. H. Dalton communicated a paper entitled, "The Blackwater
Valley, Essex" [Transactions, ii., 15]. The paper was illustrated by
the exhibition of a large coloured diagram, of which Plate I. is a reduced
copy.
On the motion of Mr. Meldola a cordial vote of thanks was accorded to
the authors.
The President then gave by word of mouth the exposition of his views
with regard to the development of the Noctua embodied in his paper,
"The Developmental Characters of the Larva of the Noctua, as deter-
mining the position of that Group" [Transactions, ii., 19]. The speaker
demonstrated portions of his subject by means of drawings on the black-
board, and Mr. W. White brought up for exhibition a fine collection of
"preserved" specimens of caterpillars for the purpose of illustrating
Mr. Meldola's remarks.
The Rev. W. Linton Wilson, in thanking Mr. Meldola, congratulated
him on the method and perspicuity of his remarks, and hoped that the
President's example might prove an incentive to others to bring before the
Club the results of their studies and observations.
Mr. W. Cole also hoped that some of their entomological friends would
follow the line of investigation so admirably sketched out by Mr. Meldola.
He would caution intending observers that the earliest stages in the lives
of caterpillars were often extremely transient. In many cases it would
even be necessary to dissect out in glycerine the embryonic larva from the
hatching egg, and examine with a low power of the microscope.
Mr. White said that the paper was highly suggestive of good work to
be done by the earnest Lepidopterist in tracing out, with scientific methods
and motives, the life-history of even the commonest and presumably the
best-known species. He was convinced that most interesting facts would
result from a series of careful observations, particularly if attention were
directed to the very early forms of the caterpillars mentioned by Mr. Cole.
The President, in returning thanks for the kind reception of his paper,
made some announcements of Field Meetings and other matters, and said
he could not refrain from congratulating the Club and all who valued the
integrity of their fine old Forest on the fact that the Great Eastern
Railway Company had, in deference to public opinion very widely and
strongly expressed, withdrawn the objectionable clauses relating to the
projected line through the Forest from their Bill then before Parliament.
(This announcement was greeted with loud and protracted cheering.)
The Hon. Secretary was very glad to say that most of the principal
Natural History Societies in and around London had, at his suggestion,
joined the Essex Field Club in protesting and petitioning against the