OF WASHINGTON. 177 
which is still unknown, will prove also to be wingless and provided with 
short elytra. 
NOTES ON SINOXYLON. The number of antennal joints in certain genera 
of Ptinidce is known to be subject to individual variation, and the irregu- 
larities mentioned by Dr. LeConte (Proc. Amer. Philos Soc , xvii, 1878, 
p. 612) in Hadrobregmus Itnearis can also be observed in other species of 
this and allied genera of the sub-family Anobiince. In the sub-family Bos- 
trychince the number of antennal joints appears to be much more constant, 
and Dr. Horn has successfully used this character for grouping the species 
of some of our genera. I had this year the opportunity of examining a 
large number of Sinoxylon basilare, found in dead branches of Persimmon 
(Diosfiyros caroliniana), and only qne specimen showed an irregularity in 
the number of antennal joints. The specimen has but 9 joints in both 
antennae; no joint of the funicle is missing, but instead of a three-jointed 
club the specimen has a well-formed two-jointed club alike in both antennae. 
The first joint of the club, formed by the coalescence of the first and second 
joints in normallv developed specimens, is oblong, as long as the six pre- 
ceding joints together, and with the inner apical angle somewhat produced ; 
the last joint of the club does not show any deviation. Moreover, in the 
right antenna of the specimen the sixth and seventh joints show a decided 
tendency to coalesce. The specimen is plainly an abnormity, and other- 
wise not distinguishable from the normal type ; but any one not acquainted 
with our 6". basilare might be tempted to establish a new genus on such 
specimens. 
5". texatnim closely resembles the smaller specimens of 6". basilare in color- 
ation and appearance. I found several specimens last year near Washing- 
ton, D. C., but failed to make notes on their food-plants since I mistook 
them at first for: 6". basilare, which lives in all sorts of dead branches. 
S. floridanum belongs to the colony of West Indian species in semi- 
tropical Florida. Specimens from Jamaica, which I received from Dr. 
John Hamilton, cannot be distinguished from those found in Florida. 
A discussion arose between Messrs. Riley, Howard, Schwarz, 
and Smith on the constancy of the number of antennal joints in 
insects, and their value in classification. 
DECEMBER 6, 1888. 
Nine persons present. President Schwarz in the chair. 
The following amendment to the Constitution was adopted : 
Article VII, so as to read as follows : 
SECTION i. The initiation fee of active members shall be one 
dollar ; the annual fee two dollars, payable at each annual meeting 
