372 [February 



tides of ejectamenta wltli fragments of wood, whieh the insect cements to- 

 gether by means of a saliva; and these pretty structures are formed in total 

 darkness in the interior of trees. Does not the imw/o Canthon laevis teach 

 us a lesson in the mode by which it provides food for its progeny; and why 

 should the globular structure be rejected by the Entomologist? It is no 

 wonder that the ancient Egyptians worshipped its relative. 



The Modus operandi of the Gicadse may be familiar to Entomologists; we 

 know that they deposit their ova in branches of fruit ti-ees, and I find the 

 exuvise of the ni/mplia state in forests, therefore, it is a nice investigation 

 to determine the trees on which it is a parasite. What a pretty Collection 

 the Lepidopterous Cocoons make of themselves? How many Students are 

 there to day, who looks on the cocoons of this order as possessing intei'est? 



The insects are all they care to make room for; large sums are expended 

 to procure descriptive books, at the very time natures information is with- 

 in reach. Little thinking that the Chrysalis covering formed by the 

 Caterpillar reveals the genus to which it belongs. For instance, this year 

 a young beginner rears the Caterjiillar of Atlacus Inna, which forms its 

 cocoon, and in due time he procures the imar/o. Next year, he finds a 

 Caterpillar of Attaciis polyphemus, which, although a cogener, difi"ers 

 from the former in form and markings. It also spins a like cocoon in size 

 and texture, and in this way, our young beginner discovers that he is the 

 possessor of two species of a genus. In Lepidoptera a remarkable analogy 

 appears in the cocoons of every species of a genus; and we discover a dif- 

 ference between generic forms throughout the order. Hence, I am of the 

 opinion that the cocoon is an easy means of specific identification, as well 

 as to enhance classification. Insect Architecture supplies us with a cor- 

 rect history of Hymenopterous and Dipterous parasites. Its study makes 

 us better acquainted with the destructive insects, and gives us a knowledge 

 wherewith we can check their progress. The collector will also devote a 

 space in the cabinet to spider architecture. They are the most ingenious 

 structures, many of them, mathematically speaking, surpasses any form 

 produced by true insects. 



Two cases 18 by 24 inches will sufiice to hold a large number of speci- 

 mens. One should be 2^ inches deep, to contain small forms, and the 

 other 6 inches, for larger ones. To have a glass frame on hinges, — the 

 frame to fit into the case when closed; this is to prevent the escape of 

 small parasitic Hymenoptera &c., wbich may from day to day appear. 

 Mount the specimens on colored cards, that they may be better exhibit- 

 ed, — write remarks &c., relating thereto on the card, and with strong pins 

 place it in the cabinet. 



