i48 THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 



proposed and forgotten genera, this subdividing and limiting of the old 

 and this erection of new, the same method seems to have been followed. 

 There is the same microscopic search for minute differences, the same 

 confusion arising from the use of fractions of different denominators, by 

 which the real amount, or want, of difference evades the understanding, the 

 same felicitous escape from repetition. 



If the case is not as we have stated, will some one show wherein ? If 

 it is, ought these genera to stand ? 



Is any genus valid, until it has been substantiated by a full and com- 

 petent description which shall clearly set forth the points of discrimination 

 between it. and other genera, particularly that from which it " has been 

 separated ? 



While the mention of some species in a genus as a type of that genus 

 may be useful as giving a nucleus about which that genus may crystallize, 

 thus providing for future definiteness and fixity, it seems to us that we 

 ought most earnestly to protest against the establishment of a genus by 

 the mere mention of its type. For example, admitting that- there is 

 ground for the use of Hiibner's name Epargyreus. what is the distinction 

 between it and the proposed new genus Achalarus ? It is not enough to 

 answer, perhaps no one is disposed to say, " One skilled in this branch 

 of Entomology will know." The question should be answered for the 

 benefit of the unskilled, the learner. Nor is it enough to say — " We 

 have no space to answer now ; we want time for investigation ; . we will 

 answer hereafter." We believe there are no pre-emption laws in Ento- 

 mology ; that no caveats can be filed at this Patent Office. The laws of 

 priority can cover only so much as one has wrought out and published, not 

 what he gives notice that he expects to find, or intends to publish in the 

 future. 



No. of Broods of Danais Archippus. — There positively are three 

 broods of archippus here, at least. The second is now giving butterflies. 

 I set a female last week and she laid eggs. I saw a chrysalis last week 

 and for several days have seen newly emerged butterflies. The first brood 

 emerged early in June. Very late in the season is a third brood, Sept. or 

 Oct., and these hybernate as butterflies. — W. H. Edwards, W. Virginia. 



August 4th, 1876. 



