200 THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 



Both specimens are alike in size and expand 3 tV in. Xo one could 

 fail to be impressed with the princely appearance of this rare insect, and 

 unhesitatingly accord it the first rank among its peers in the interesting 

 group to which it belongs. 



Catocalce have been very abundant here this season. I have taken 

 between 900 and 1000 specimens, and among them some rare species and 

 some that I seldom or never took here before. For example. I have 

 taken atarah (as has also my friend, Mr. C. Whitney, in N. H.), which I 

 believe has not been recorded before as occurring; north of Texas. I 

 have also taken amasia, and a species allied to it, which may prove to be 

 an extreme variety. This also is put down in the published authorities 

 as a southern species. Mr. Whitney informs me he also has taken this 

 species in N. H. this season. And now majmorata, which hitherto has 

 been known only as a Californian species. I have one, and perhaps two, 

 that I think are new species, which I may give you a description of when 

 I get time. After a while I may also prepare you a list of the species of 

 Catocala occurring here. James Angus, West Farms, New York. 



how do specialists prefer to receive material ? 

 Dear Sir, — 



Dr. Henri de Saussure writes in the introduction, page xix, to his 

 Synopsis of "Solitary W r asps " (Anier. Wasps) as follows : 



" In a great many collections it is usual to spread the wings and legs 

 of the Hymenoptera. This is mere amateur's work, of no utility for 

 study, sometimes even quite opposed to the purpose in view, by dissimu- 

 lating the character of the insects instead of exposing it to view. • This 

 practice is to be regretted, moreover, by its increasing the value of the 

 insects, on account of the time and expense wasted thereby, so that one 

 is loathe afterwards to place them in the softener, when it becomes neces- 

 sary to dissect the moth.'' 



In connection with this, I would ask whether Dipterologists and 

 Micro-lepidopterologists prefer things (to be sent to them for study) spread 

 or merely pinned. Mr. V. T. Chambers is satisfied to get Tineidae dead 

 and dry, and even untouched by a pin. Let Mr. Cresson and other 

 specialists announce their preferments. I should be glad to see published 

 the names and addresses of such gentlemen as now are engaged in the 

 study of Tortricidas, Pyralidse and Alucitae, of which groups I will con- 

 tribute all my accumulated Californian specimens without reserve. 



J as. Behrens, P. O. box 1,173, San Francisco, Cal. 



