Miscellaneoits. 397 



gentlemen signified their regret at being unable to attend, in con- 

 sequence of other engagements, while they expressed at the same 

 time their hearty approval of the objects of the meeting. 



Its first and great object was, naturally, the formation of an 

 Entomological Club, or Society. After some discussion upon the 

 subject, it was decided that, in consequence of the smallness of 

 the number present, no definite org-aoizatioQ should be formed as 

 yet ; but that another meeting should be held during the ensuing 

 spring, due notice of the time and place being previously given 

 to all interested. It was further agreed upon, that the objects of 

 the contemplated society should be, — first, theformation of as com- 

 plete a collection as possible of Canadian Insects, to be kept in 

 some central place for general information and reference ; secondly, 

 the charge of a depository of duplicate specimens contributed by 

 Entomologists for distribution among its members ; and thirdly, 

 the holding of meetings from time to time for mutual information, 

 and the advancement of the science throughout the country at 

 large. 



The greater portion of the evening was most pleasantly spent 

 in examining and admiring the very extensive and beautiful col- 

 lections of Prof. Croft, as well as those of others kindly contri 

 buted for the occasion. A brief enumeration of their several 

 points of interest will not, it is hoped, be out of place here. First 

 and foremost, must be mentioned the large and varied collections 

 of both native and foreign Insects displayed by Prof. Croft, — 

 among the former, his Longicorns and several other families of 

 Coleoptera, attracted general observation, both from the rarity 

 of many of the specimens, and the completeness of the series; 

 and among the latter, his huge Chinese beetles — including the Di/- 

 nastes Herculi, — and magnificent moths, were veiy much admired. 

 Too much indeed, cannot be said of his various collections, the inspec- 

 tion of which so greatly enhanced the enjoyment of the evening. 

 Dr. Morris exhibited a number of rare specimens of Lepi- 

 doptera, among which may be mentioned Polyommatus epix- 

 anthe, a new addition to our Canadian butterflies ; Darapsa 

 myron, S'phinx Kalmice and other Sphinges ; that pretty Litho- 

 sian Gnophria vittata, etc. He also brought a number of Cole- 

 optera, as well as several interesting specimens of both orders col- 

 lected by him in the neighbourhood of Portland, Me., — of these 

 last, his specimens of Satyrus alope, Strangalia fugax^ Chryso- 

 chus auratuSf and Meloe ? — were particularly fine. 



