Dec, 1907.] Book Notice. 247 



Ciilex melaniirus Coq. is referred to Melanoconion, and Mr. Co- 

 quillett is scolded for not placing it there originally. As a matter of 

 fact, the genus Melanoconion had not been proposed when Coquillett 

 published his Culex melaniirus, and in his later work he did place it 

 in Melanoconion, long before Mr. Theobald did so. This appears 

 like a wilful misrepresentation. M. annulipes from Jamaica is de- 

 scribed as new. The description is unfortunately inadequate for 

 recognition and we are unable to place the species in our tables. 



The genus Pneuniaculex Dyar is used for signifer, and the author 

 exhibits again his ignorance of the rules of nomenclature by calling 

 the genus a nonien nudum. It is true that no descriptive matter that 

 would enable Mr. Theobald to place the genus in his scheme of scale 

 classification was given, but other characters were given and a type 

 was specified. The genus was therefore properly established. To be 

 consistent Mr. Theobald should add his nomen nudum label to many 

 other genera, such as Culex Linnaeus. But our author is never con- 

 sistent, nor has he the judicial mind that will enable him to separate 

 a scientific subject from personal preferences. The work of persons 

 from whomi he has had favors or commendation is referred to leniently 

 or frequently quoted, while that of persons who have criticized his 

 work is harshly spoken of or ignored. This can only result in serious 

 detraction from the authority and scientific value of the volumes 

 before us. 



Under A'edes, a new species, nigrescens, is described. We should 

 say that it was properly a Culex with short palpi in the male, like 

 other species we are familiar with ; but as only the tip of the genitalia 

 is figured, the most important organs remain unrevealed and we can- 

 not feel certain. 



Hcemagogus equinus Theob. is now placed in Cacomyia Coq., and 

 the error of the original description is repeated, namely the statement 

 that the claws are simple. They are really toothed, as we know from 

 an examination of Dr. Grabham's other specimen, which the doctor 

 has kindly loaned us, and from an examination of Theobald's type, 

 which has been made by Dr. Howard. 



Under the clumsy, redundant term Metanototrichse-Heteropalpfe, 

 the distinct group Sabethinae is at last recognized. We have repeat- 

 edly insisted on this group as the only one deserving subfamily rank, 

 but our remarks are unnoticed by Mr. Theobald, probably because too 

 recent. His book, in the matter of detail, is fully a year behind its 



