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Show 1881.] THE SECRETARY ON THE INSECTARIUM. 651 Keess and others, I have received several more from Madras, and am consequently able to distribute them among various European museums. The example of A. arafura? still shows the faint vertical bands which are so much better seen in the immature. The dorsal spines are damaged ; and the fish has its mouth distended, in which position it has become permanently fixed, owing probably to having been put into rather strong spirit soon after its capture. Apogon ellioti is one of those shore forms which extend through the Indian Ocean from the east coast of Africa to the Malay archipelago and China, likewise to the Arafura Sea on the coast of New Guinea. It is rather remarkable that Dr. Bleeker did not obtain it; he had one from m y collection, and informed me that it was new to him. June 7, 1881. Professor Flower, LL.D., F.R.S., President, in the Chair. The Secretary called the attention of the Meeting to the opening of the Insectarium in the Society's Gardens, which had taken place on the 25th of April last; and remarked, that although of late years many entomologists had been in the habit of rearing insects in captivity for the purpose of watching their transformations and obtaining good specimens in each stage of existence, nothing like a systematic attempt, so far as he knew, had been previously made to form a general collection of living insects for exhibition. As in former days as regards reptiles and the lower marine animals, so in the present instance as regards its Insectarium, the Society seemed to be first in the field, and, so far as could be judged from the progress already made, to be likely, if not altogether successful, to attain many interesting and instructive results. The building in the Gardens now used as an Insectarium was constructed of iron and glass on three sides, with a brick back to it, and formerly formed part of the refreshment buildings. It had been moved to its present site, on the north bank of the canal near the north entrance, last autumn, and had been used during the winter as a nursery for delicate monkeys and tropical birds. The cases containing the insects, to which it was now devoted, were arranged on stands all round the building, and also occupied two tables in the centre. The cases used for the principal specimens were formed of zinc plates. The upper part of them was glazed on all four sides, the top being formed of perforated zinc so as to admit the air. The food-plant or object required for the suspension of the chrysalises, when that stage of the insect was exhibited, was inserted into the case through a circular hole in the bottom; but the glass front also opened, so that ready access could be obtained to the interior. The larger cases in the front row measured about 24 inches in breadth by 18 in depth, and were 32 inches in height. 42* |
