clxxxvi Journal of Proceedings.
Donations to the Library were announced, and thanks voted to the
donors.
Mr. Edward B. Poulton, M.A., delivered a lecture on " The Protective
value of Colour and Attitude in Caterpillars." The lecturer treated his
subject in a most interesting way, his remarks including the following
special points among others:—
Darwin's explanation of the use of bright colours in the animal
kingdom. The colours of caterpillars an obvious exception to this
interpretation. Wallace's explanation of the colours o£ caterpillars as
protective. The enemies of caterpillars. Protection by resembling
surroundings, by acquiring a disagreeable taste, or smell, by resembling
the latter class, by assuming terrifying marks or attitudes. The few
rare cases of active defence, and an explanation of its rarity. Other
instances of similar protection in the animal kingdom.
The lecture was illustrated by a long series of lantern slides of
diagrams and figures of caterpillars, drawn by Mr. Poulton. Mr. E.
T. Stringer very kindly exhibited the same by means of his lantern
apparatus.
The lecture was rendered the more interesting by the exhibition of a
magnificent series of the preserved larvae of moths and butterflies
exhibited by Lord Walsingham,* Mr. W. White, Mr. W. Cole, and others.
A long and interesting discussion on various points in the lecture was
carried on by Prof. Meldola, Mr. A. E. Wallace, Lord Walsingham, Mr.
W. White, Mr. W. Cole and Mr. Poulton. A hearty vote of thanks was
passed to the lecturer.
The usual conversazione concluded the meeting.
Saturday, April 17th, 1886. Visit to the British Museum
(Natural History).
Prof. W. H, Flower, LL.D., F.R.S., &c. (Director of the Natural
History Department), having very kindly offered to give a demonstration
of the specimens of Cetacea (Whales and Dolphins) in the Museum, the
members met in the Lecture-room of the Museum about three o'clock on
the above afternoon. Prof. Flower gave a most interesting lecture, which
was illustrated by diagrams and models. After the lecture the Professor
conducted the members through the new Cetacean gallery in the base-
ment of the building, and there demonstrated the structure of the more
important members of the group. A very hearty vote of thanks was
passed to Prof. Flower, and the remainder of the evening was passed at
the South Kensington Museum.
* Lord Walsingham's unique collection of the larvae of butterflies and moths
is now in the British Saloon of the Natural History Museum, South Kensington.
—Ed. (1891).