How Nature Takes Cover.

Progress, Volume I, Issue II, 1 September 1906, Page 297

How Nature Takes Cover.

The second of the series of popular scientific lectures under the auspices of St. Mark's Club was given recently in St. Mark's schoolroom, Wellington, by Professor Kirk, M.A. His subject was " How Nature takes Cover." He described many of the most remarkable examples of protective colouration and form, which, aided by corresponding instmcts, enabled animals to conceal themselves effectually —in some cases from enemies, m others from their prey. Eggs of certain birds laid without a nest on shingle-beds might lie unnoticed, so closely did they resemble in form and colour the water-worn stones. He showed butterflies, resembling green or faded leaves so perfectly, even to details of venation that not only their enemies, the birds, but even human eyes might be deceived. Even the wings had narrow projections at the tip, so that when folded and the insect perched on a twig it seemed to be attached by a footstalk. Perfectly harmless flies in some cases so strongly resembled bees, wasps, or other stinging creatures that birds left them m peace. Caterpillars simulated buds, and even had the habit of resting, standing on end, at the proper angle to the branch. The New Zealand " walking-stick" was well known. He showed a number of living examples on a native plant. As an example of the effective mimicry of these curious creatures he said that though he knew there were fifteen on the plant from which he had taken them, he could only discover three in the course of a long search. He explained the accepted theory regarding the evolution of these remarkable adaptations —that in the course of ages the elimination by natural enemies, left only those possessing exceptionally deceptive qualities to carry on the succession, and that the type was modified accordingly. He remarked that human intelligence had been slow to take the hint from animal instinct. The lion and tiger wore the livery of the jungle, but until lately men went forth to war in the brightest and most conspicuous garb. But they had found out their mistake, and now, he said, " khaki they only wear."

It is stated that between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily some 10 million passengers are annually deposited by the London County Council tramway system at Westminster Bridge, and about 8£ million passengers at Blackfriars Bridge.