138 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [May, 



3rd. All of the essential and desirable features of the " block 

 system ' obtained, thus avoiding the tedious repinning for 

 accessions. 



4th. The iionecessity for a double series of each species to ex- 

 hibit the underside, every example is available by simply turn- 

 ing over the case. 



5th. All dangers of moisture, drafts, coughing, sleeves, pen- 

 cil points, dropping eye-glasses, dust, and insects are avoided. 



6th. Labels and data are inseparable from the insects, especi- 

 ally desirable in types. 



yth. Easily examined with a hand lens above and below. 



8th. Material can be passed around during a lecture or meet- 

 ing without fear of injury, or loaned to your friend and fellow 

 enthusiast, the kindergarten teacher or otherwise made to serve 

 a much wider field for if a collection is not educational it is 

 senseless. 



gth. As to the cost each one can figure that out for their own 

 locality and condition, and if I have omitted anything I will 

 cheerfully answer all inquires. 



O. B. JOHNSON, 610 Pike Street, Seattle, Wash. 



Letters from Thomas Say to John F. Melsheimer, 



18 16- 1825. III. 



Philad d . July 3O th 1816 

 Dear Sir 



I have sent you p r . James Griffith, Baltimore the following 

 Insects that I hope may meet your acceptance, it is true their 

 number is very limited but they may possibly interest you 

 being foreigners the names of some of them may be wrong as 

 I have not the chance of reference to many books, if they are 

 so please to correct me 



L/in. Molossus Pithecius Indicus & Cinctits of 

 India Tityus of Maryland Curculio Iinpcrialis Splendens of 

 South America & Squamulosus of India Buprestis vittata of 

 India Elater noctilucus of Jamaica (this insect was presented 

 to me alive, its light was very vivid) I cannot determine the 

 species of Chrysomela of South America Mcloc (Mylabris) Bifas- 



