186 THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 



tion is so gradual that it is extremely difificult to say where one species 

 ends and another begins. 



While passing through the extensive grape-growing regions in the 

 south of France, a sharp eye was kept on the vineyards with the view of 

 detecting evidences of Phylloxera. I am pleased to report that I saw but 

 few indications of its presence, and from inquiries made the conclusion 

 was reached, that this insect pest, which a short time ago was so exceed- 

 ingly destructive to the vine-growing interests, is now doing comparatively 

 little harm. It was the occasion of much regret that the limited time at 

 my disposal would not permit me to visit any of the noted collections of 

 insects to be found in most of the large cities of Europe. 



While in London an opportunity was afforded me which I gladly 

 availed myself of, that of visiting the South Kensington Museum in com- 

 pany with Miss Ormerod, and of inspecting the work of that talented 

 lady as displayed in, the cases of insects mounted, and the preparations 

 made by her to illustrate the life history of injurious insects and to depict 

 their ravages, forming a most interesting and complete series of object 

 lessons in this important economic department of entomological science. 

 I was also present at one of the monthly meetings of the Entomological 

 Society of London, where I had the good fortune to meet many ento- 

 mologists of note, including the venerable Professor Westwood, H. T. 

 Stainton, Esq., Mr. McLachlin and others. All treated the stranger with 

 the greatest possible courtesy and kindness, and at the same time mani- 

 fested the warmest interest in everything relating to the progress of ento- 

 mology in Canada. 



During the past year there have appeared several important works on 

 economic entomology, prominent among which may be mentioned the 

 reports from the Entomological Bureau of the Department of Agriculture 

 at Washington, under the direction of Prof. C. V. Riley, and the report 

 of Prof. J. A. Lintner, State Entomologist of New York. In both these 

 publications are recorded a number of useful observations and many new 

 facts relating to the life history and habits of the species treated of. 

 Among other important works on entomology may be mentioned the 

 continuation of that magnificent work on the Butterflies of North America 

 by W. H. Edwards, and a volume on the Butterflies of the Eastern States 

 by G. H. French, of Carbondale, Illinois. 



At the recent meeting of the Entomological Club of the American 



