370 The Scottish Naturalist. 



To those wlio wish to know the efifects of the severe winter of 1878-79 upon 

 bird-life, Mr Harvie-Brown's Ornitliological Journal, communicated to the 

 ' Natural History of Glasgow,' maybe of great use, as it not only contains the 

 author's observations, but a series of notes collected from various sources. 



We have received a copy of Part I. of Brooke's Popular Botany (Lon- 

 don : J. A, Brooke & Co.), which may turn out to be of use in making pop- 

 ular the study of plants ; but it is impossible to judge of this from a single 

 number. It has coloured illustrations —rather coarse in colouring — and 

 woodcuts. The medicinal and other uses of plants are especially treated of ; 

 and to people who luill tiy to poison themselves or others by mistaking 

 aconite for horse-radish, the Avork will be found useful. 



A Monograpliic Revision and Synopsis of the Triclioptera of the Euro- 

 pean Fauna. By R. M'Lachlan. Large 8vo. Pp. 523, ciii., and iv. 

 Plates lix. London : J. Van Voorst. 1874-80. — Nearly a quarter of a 

 century ago Dr Hagen (then of Germany, now of America) attempted to 

 direct attention to the much-neglected order of the Neuroptera (Dragon-flies, 

 Caddis-flies, &c. )by publishing a series of papers in successive 'Entomolo- 

 gists' Annuals.' If he expected to convert the whole entomological popula- 

 tion to the study of his favourites, we fear that Dr Hagen must have been dis- 

 appointed. It is true that a few collectors here and there directed a kind of 

 half-hearted attention to the Neuroptera ; but the majority, intent on the 

 acquisition of their favourite and much-pursued Lepidoptera, passed by with 

 a scarcely concealed contempt for those who wasted their time on such 

 "rubbish " as Dragon-flies and Caddis-worms. In this general indifference, 

 the men who, with a will, put their shoulders to the wheel and devoted their 

 energies to the work, stand out in striking contrast, and the foremost place 

 amongst these is easily awarded to the author of the memoir in question, the 

 accomplishment of which has only served to establish Mr M'Lachlan's reputa- 

 tion as one of the most philosophical entomologists (using the word in its 

 highest meaning) of the day. To say that in the Synopsis 474 species are 

 described, and that the 59 plates have about 2000 figures on them, will con- 

 vey little idea of the labour faithfully expended on the work during the six 

 years it has been in progress. To all who study or contemplate commencing 

 the study of the Trichoptera, the work is, we need scarcely remark, essential; 

 while other entomologists would do well to place on their shelves a volume 

 which already occupies a place in the classics of entomology. 



VAEIOUS NOTES. 



Of late years the south of Scotland, both east and west, has been fortunate 

 in possessing a number of naturalists who include entomology amongst their 

 studies. We are therefore not surprised, though much gratified, to be able 

 to notice the formation in February last of a Society specially devoted to en- 

 tomology, whose headquarters are at Galashiels, and whose title is, "The 

 South of Scotland Entomological Society." Mr John Clapperton (Gala- 

 shiels) is the secretary, and will no doubt be glad to give any information 

 about the new Society, to which we wish all success. 



