192 THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLUGIST. 



in its ally. Subreniform paler, more yellowish. Else the lines and 

 markings copy in miniature its ally. Fringe to secondaries white. Collar 

 darker, with black line ; thorax pale gray. 



Expdfise 70 mil. Hub. — Dolores, Texas. 



Accompanying the fresh type are examples of C. viduaia, Guen. 

 (^ maesiosa, Hulst. Guene'e considered his name sufficiently distinct 

 from vidua, and adopted it for that reason), which expand 95-98 mil. I 

 know of no black-winged Catocala in which the mesial band sliows so 

 plainly. 



In this same collection is a fresh 9 example of Eacles imperialism 

 var. iiobilis, Neum., with the wings all suffused with russet ; also one of 

 var. didynia, Beauv., not recorded by Dyar. Yellow, with both wings 

 terminally entirely russet, outside of the undulate pale purple band. My 

 recollection of the woik of De Beauvois is that he figures this form. The 

 antennpe in the figure are incorrect; from having been broken off his type, 

 the author was induced to effect a restoration in his figure not agreeing 

 with reality. There is also a larva of a Citheronia, which does not well 

 agree with alcoholic specimens of C. regalis, and may be C. Mexicatia. 



BOOK NOTICE. 



Stories of Insect Life (Second Series). — By Mary E. Murtfeldt and 

 Clarence M. Weed. Ginn & Co., p]). 72, 1899. 

 Reliable books about insects, written so that children can understand 

 them and will be interested, are icw in number. The little work now 

 under consideration fulfils its purpose admirably, and will doubtless be 

 very useful in fostering a taste among children for insect life. The informa- 

 tion given is accurate and well selected. Moreover, it is presented in an 

 earnest, attractive manner, which will create a desire for more knowledge, 

 and, wath that desire, an inclination to seek for it where best it can be 

 found, in the open field, by personal observation. The present booklet is 

 intended as a companion to a similar publication of 54 pages, which 

 appeared last year. Both are well and freely illustrated. The insects 

 chosen for description are common objects of the country, just such as a 

 child would wish to know about. The aim of the authors was well con- 

 ceived, and has been well carried out. They say : " This little book is 

 designed for use as a reading book, which shall lead the pupil to fuller 

 observation upon the insects about him. It is not essential that the 

 articles be read consecutively ; but it is highly desirable that the pupils 

 actually see as many as possible of the insects discussed." " The study 

 of living insects should always have the first place in school work. The 

 aim of the teacher should be, not to foster the collecting spirit so much as 

 to develop the perceptive faculties in such a way that the pupil will not 

 only notice the things about him, but will be on the alert for the signifi- 

 cance of their structure, their colour or their habits of life." J. F. 



Mailed May 31st, 1900. 



