1897. NOTES AND COMMENTS. 75 



views as to their genealogy. Here, however, we enter on a wide 

 problem that might well be discussed at this year's meeting of the 

 Museums Association ; for it is to be at Oxford, where Professor 

 Poulton and his energetic helpers can give a practical demonstration 

 on the Hope collection. 



The Kind of Work we Want. 



Considering the strange misconception that our views have met 

 in certain quarters, we almost despair of being able to explain what 

 kind of work it is that we really should like to see. But in this very 

 subject of Entomology, here is one of our best observers of nature, 

 who has come in the nick of time to help us out of our quandary. In 

 the well-filled January number oi Knowledge is a paper" On describing 

 and drawing insects " by Mr. F. Enock, whose admirable advice we 

 recommend mutatis mutandis to others than would-be entomologists. 

 Keep a daily journal of observations upon insect life, noting down in 

 black and white every fact connected with the economy and habits of 

 such insects as you are studying, or as pass under your observation. 

 " Owing to the irregular methods which some authors adopt in their 

 descriptions of insects [and other organisms] , the task of naming is 

 made more difficult. No two insects are described in the same order. 

 Head, thorax, abdomen, legs and wings, in one ; then in the next 

 some other plan, making comparison of parts most confusing." To 

 obviate this, draw up, and place beside you when describing, a 

 definite order of description. " Whenever possible, make out your 

 descriptions from living insects, when so much more purpose can be 

 seen in the various parts, many of which contract and dry up out of 

 sight in a dead specimen. I often think that much of the dryness or 

 dulness of descriptive entomology is attributable to the fact that it 

 has been made from lifeless creatures . . . The pose, too, of the 

 antennae, head, and whole creature can only be observed in a living 

 insect ; the mysterious light in the eyes and the ever-changing 

 prismatic colours on the gauze-like wings, all can be seen, and all 

 appeal to our susceptibihties." Make an exact drawing under an inch 

 objective, not a freehand drawing or one in which you can put in any 

 of your own ideas. " All drawings should be carefully inked in and 

 the scale marked under each." 



If everyone worked in this intelligent and accurate manner, half 

 our occupation would be gone. 



The Earthquake. 



Whether we consider its disturbed area or the damage inflicted 

 by it on buildings, the earthquake of December 17 will rank as one 

 of the most important ever recorded in these islands. In Northum- 

 berland and Durham, several persons believe that they felt it ; but, 

 .even if these two counties eventually should have to be excluded, the 



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