216 THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 



Society from the possession of a collection so well worked up and so 

 correctly named, can scarcely be over estimated, affording as it will con- 

 veniences to collectors for naming specimens such as we have never had 

 before. If for no other reason, we shall, in the possession of these 

 advantages, always have cause to remember with pleasure the hundredth 

 anniversary of American independence. 



The continuance of the organ of our Society, the Canadian Ento- 

 mologist, has also contributed greatly to the maintenance of the interest 

 felt in our Society. During the past year important matters have been 

 discussed in its pages, and a mass of new facts, throwing light on the 

 habits and life history of many of our insects, placed before our readers. 

 Much space has also been given to the important department of descrip- 

 tive Entomology. Indeed, I scarcely think we should be deemed pre- 

 sumptuous in saying that our little journal is an important bond which 

 does much to bind together the brotherhood of Entomologists throughout 

 America. 



The recent action of American Entomologists on the subject of Ento- 

 mological nomenclature claims more than a passing notice. At the 

 meetings of the Entomological Club of the American Association for the 

 Advancement of Science, held last month in Buffalo, N. Y., this important 

 subject was discussed and conclusions reached in reference to it which, I 

 hope, will greatly tend to the stability of our nomenclature, the great end 

 and aim which all parties claim to have in view. Amidst the conflicting 

 opinions held by leading Entomologists on this subject, it was scarcely to 

 be expected that entire unanimity could be secured ; but it was most 

 gratifying to notice the conciliatory spirit manifested by all, and the desire 

 apparently as far as possible, to meet each other's views. A series of 

 resolutions touching on important points was presented by the committee 

 named last year to report on this subject, and on some of these they were 

 unanimous, while on others there was a divided opinion. Those rules 

 which were unanimously adopted will, it is understood, be strictly carried 

 out by all who were present, while those on which there was expressed a 

 divided opinion will, in the meantime, be left to be acted on or not, as 

 the individual choice may dictate. Although this does not leave the 

 subject in as satisfactory a state as entire unanimity would have done, still 

 it was felt that by the action taken very much had been done towards 

 settling some of the disturbing elements which interfere with the fixity of 

 nomenclature. A report of these important meetings will be found in the 



