160 THE CANADIAN ENTOIMOLOGIST. 



BOOK NOTICE. 



The British NoctU/e and their Varieties, by J. W. Tutt, F. E. S.: 

 Sevan, Sonneuschein & Co., Paternoster Square, London, E. C: 

 Volume I., 164 pages, May, 1891. 

 This book is characterized by the extreme care which the author has 

 taken in describing and fixing the original form which was taken as the 

 basis for the first specific description, and the enumeration and designa- 

 tion of all the varieties of the species hitherto known. It is simply 

 invaluable to the English collector, and has in so far an interest for the 

 American, as the species common to Europe and America are fully 

 treated, and it is a matter of scientific importance to ascertain whether all 

 the varieties of such species occur equally in both the Old and New 

 World, or what varieties are peculiar to either. For clearness of treat- 

 ment and precision of language the work cannot be too highly spoken of. 

 Whether all the named varieties are constantly recurring, and sufficiently 

 recognizable in every case is a matter for- future elucidation ; but it is 

 undeniable that it is a matter of convenience that the varieties should receive 

 special designations. In this way what are commonly called synonyms 

 have a use in designating the particular form which they were originally 

 intended to cover and the geographical distribution, and the occurrence of 

 these varieties can be properly brought to light. Where a work has been 

 prepared with so much evident care, and contains so many valuable 

 scientifically-stated suggestions as to the phenomena of variation itself, it 

 disarms any unfavourable criticism. It seems, however, a matter of 

 regret that the generic terms employed are not the most correct in a num- 

 ber of cases, that the system of M. Guenee has been retained, and, lastly, 

 that no account is made of possible variation in structure, neuration, 

 armature and secondary characters. The work is well printed and will be 

 of interest, and is hereby cordially commended to the notice of all 

 lepidopterists. A. R. Grote. 



* ^ * By some oversight the name of Mr. Harry Carter was 

 omitted from the list of members of the Geological Section of the Ento- 

 mological Society of Ontario (p. 108). As he is a very useful and active 

 member, we regret the omission very much. 



Mailed July 4th. 



