LIST OF INSECTS. 91 



missive at Mr. Walker, from the effects of which, we fear, that able natu- 

 ralist will hardly recover. "It would be just as rational to place a rat at 

 the head of the Mammalia, as a domestic nuisance like the flea at the 

 head of the Dipteral" Mr. C. is unlucky in his simile, for Cuvier places 

 the shrew, which is a more insignificant creature than the rat, before the 

 lion or the tiger; and the flea is placed among the Diptera upon Mr. C's. 

 own principles, namely, the analogy of its metamorphosis to that of the 

 Tipulidce. 



In the Neuroptera Mr. Cooke's difficulties increase, for he has actually 

 added four families of smooth-winged, true Neuropterous insects, to the only 

 hairy family, the Phryganidce, under the order Trichoptera! but the reason 

 for this innovation becomes apparent when we remember that the above 

 four families are carnivorous. 



We think we have said enough to convince our readers that Mr. Cooke's 

 attempt at a Natural System of Insects is most unfortunate. We do not 

 think papers like this are likely to advance the science of Entomology. On 

 the contrary, we think they do much to give foreign naturalists an unfa- 

 vourable impression of the philosophic tone of thought which prevails in 

 this country. We are sorry to see that the Curator of the Warrington 

 Museum has announced that he has arranged the insects of that Institution 

 upon Mr. Cooke's "hard and soft" system. — Ed. 



A LIST OE THE INSECTS OBSEEVED 

 IN THE SOUTHEKN PART OF THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX. 



BY W. C. TTNWIN, LEWES. 



No. III. — Including the Stratiomid.e, Tabanid.e, and Asilid.e. 



( Continued from page 41.) 



STKATIOMIDjE.— Westwood. 



JBeris clavipes. — Appears to be rare. Found in July by sweeping in meadows 

 near Kingston, and on Hamsey Common. 



B. vallata. — Not common. Obtained by sweeping aquatic plants, by the 

 sides of ditches in the Lewes Levels, in July. 



B. chalybeata. — Hare apparently, but probably only so from our not having 

 discovered its metropolis. Taken in a rough field near the Plashet Wood, in 

 June, 1855. 



Stratiomys longicornis. — Rare. Taken off Umbelliferce in Oxsettle Bottom, 

 near Mount Caburn, in July, 1854; and again in the same locality last 

 summer. 



8. chameeleon. — Very uncommon in this district, although it is said to be 

 one of the most abundant of the genus in some localities. A very interesting 

 account of this insect, on its preparatory state, is given in Mr. Dallas's 

 "Elements of Entomology." 



8. argentata. — Bare. Taken near Seaford, on the coast, off the Wild Carrot, 

 (Daucus carotaj in July. 



