206 THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 



that they may be recognized, a period of more rapid and healthy progress 

 will commence. The attention of the lovers of nature will then be free 

 to observe the habits and to study more minutely the structure of the 

 different species. Classification and economic science will advance 

 together to the perfection which will reward the future students. 



One more subject remains to be treated, and I have done. It is one 

 that I approach with hesitation, and even with pain. The recom- 

 mendations contained in the British American Code, for the future 

 guidance of naturahsts in respect to nomenclature, are carefully drawn,'and 

 if faithfully and prudently regarded, would leave nothing to be desired. 



Unfortunate!}', under the influence of personal peculiarities, the excite- 

 ment of political struggles, or the uncongeniality of religious associations, 

 the contributors to scientific literature are sometimes led to forget the laws 

 of good breeding, which are binding upon all civilized men, and should 

 be particularly so upon those addicted to so noble a pursuit as the study 

 of nature. 



Under these exaltations of brain, names are sometimes proposed 

 which are offensive'' in the higliest degree. It is useless to reason with 

 such persons on the impropriet}' of their conduct, or the irrelevancy of 

 proclaiming opinions which have no place in science, for their minds are 

 occluded against all such appeals to their better nature. What shall be 

 done with such iiames? It is a question which concerns not only the 

 systematist, but every collector, every writer, indeed, who may have 

 occasion to use an illustration fiom Natural History. 1 therefore invite 

 the fullest and most democratic expression of opinion. 



Insects axjj Flowers. — I have observed this spring that the bees 

 extract hone}' from the iiowers of the Wisteria b}- drilling a hole through 

 the calyx. 1 have seen the big bumble-bees drilling the holes, and the 

 honey-bees making use of these holes. AVhether the latter have strength 

 to bore the holes I am not sure ; but it is curious that they should not 

 treat the honeysuckle in the same way. It would be easier to pierce the 

 corolla of that flower than the tough calyx of JFis/a-ia,znd it Avould yield 

 a more abundant supply of nectar. No doubt there is some reason why 

 they do not, and perhaps you can inform me what it is. — C. T. i)i Science 

 Gossip. 



^ [The author liere evitlently alludes to such names as Pleocoma Staff, Eudae- 

 monia Jehovah and others of the same nature.] 



