60 



Moths ( Spiling inae) ; I have noticed in both a certain remi- 

 nescence of the Owlet Moths or Noctuidae (Sphingidae of 

 Cuba, pp. 1 2). 



So strong are the characters of the Bee Hawks 

 with angulated or uneven external margin to the forewings 

 (as seen especially in the larval stages of Tliyrens, like 

 Pliilampelus where the anal horn is discarded for an ocellus), 

 that I have hesitated as to their position. But their general 

 form and body tuftings decide me that they are to be 

 regarded as aberrant Macroglossinae, rather than a distinct 

 subfamily type. They make a natural passage between the 

 two subfamily groups, sharing the flight and habit of the 

 one and approaching the other in the young stage and food 

 plant. Upon this latter characteristic, as it generally is for 

 my different subfamily groups of Sphingidae, I lay great 

 value as indicating relationship. It unites the Spli'mginae 

 and the Aclierontinae and shows that these two are the nearer 

 related and form a series. Everywhere that class of proofs 

 which require the tact and experience of a Naturalist to 

 bring out, witness for that general view of the classification 

 of the Sphingidae which I may speak of as my own, so much 

 being either original with me or brought into new light 

 through my long study of the family. 



The man of science observes the small changes which 

 underlie the endless succession of life. It is clear to him 

 Iwiv we are drifting if, with the rest of humanity, he does 

 not know where. Within certain limits he believes that the 

 will of man counts for something and that, in the perpetual 

 struggle, that which is useful, good and beautiful shall prevail. 

 Even in comparatively so small a social field as Entomology 

 affords, he may oppose the purely selfish action, the insincere 

 statement, and try to correct the limited experience which 

 prompts so many faults. From the contemplation of much 

 that is paltry and much that is stupid in the writings and 

 doings of Entomologists, he can at least always turn for 

 relief to Nature herself, standing high above all the schools 

 which strive but to translate her. He may drink in all the 

 loveliness of the world and refresh his soul by wanderings 



