The Butterflies of Massachusetts.

The second informal talk under the auspices of the Natural History Society took place last evening, when Mr. S. H. Scudder spoke on the "Butterflies of Massachusetts." The following interesting facts were gathered:

There is no stage in which butterflies may not pass the winter, they can hibernate either as eggs as caterpillars, chrysalids, or in the winged condition. Butterflies do not lay caterpillars, as thought by some. Metamorphoses from egg to adult take place at least once a year; some species go through as many as eight generations in a year. Mimickry is not uncommon among butterflies. There is a species which is noxious in taste to birds; their form is mimicked in color by a second form, and this one is again mimicked by a third species. Other forms of mimicry are in the resemblance of certain caterpillars to the excrement of birds; the rolling of leaves by caterpillars so as to resemble buds; the coloration of undersides of the wing to look like bark, stones, etc.

Dimorphism was also spoken of, or the difference in coloration of members of the same species, such as early spring, late spring and summer forms. Also sexual dimorphism, or differences in coloration between sexes.

Mr. Scudder's charming talk was illustrated by many appropriate diagrames, and those present enjoyed a delightful evening.