Biological Papers. 1 09 



tera and Microlepidoptera, the chief associates taken with the 

 parasites. Much depends on the extent to which any group has 

 been studied that leaves a chance more or less open for addition of 

 new species ; for instance, the beetles are so thoroughly known 

 that any chance of finding new species is comparatively slight, 

 while the Microlepidoptera, Microdiptera and hymenopterous para- 

 sites are in lessening proportion imperfectly known, and new 

 species are quite frequently detected. 



The enthusiast, indeed, who expects the accomplishment of great 

 possibilities in entomological research within the next few years 

 may claim, further, that the prospect for rich systematic discovery 

 lies in going over the field the second time, to which we are al- 

 ready becoming accustomed, for the purpose of revision, and, in con- 

 nection, the search for night forms deserves extended recognition, 

 while at any time it presents a hopeful incentive to collect in terri- 

 tory otherwise considered well worked. Really, in spite of the 

 present advanced state of entomological science, the combined 

 knowledge of the insect fauna of our country in general is, per- 

 haps, still regarded by some workers as having progressed but lit- 

 tle beyond the superficial stage. In fact, the names of new species 

 are constantly swelling our already crowded lists, and, what is re- 

 markable, discoveries of new species are often made in old-settled 

 localities long familiar to entomologists. Attention has been given 

 principally to the larger forms of insects, while a host of little things, 

 the greater proportion probably being night denizens, doubtless re- 

 main unknown everywhere, and all that is needed to disclose them 

 to science is a larger number of diligent workers, both collectors 

 and students. 



Not only the beginner in insect study, but the teacher and ex- 

 perienced collector as well, can find instructive diversion combined 

 with healthful recreation in the cool, refreshing, open air of sum- 

 mer nights by devoting part, if not all, of evenings to collecting 

 specimens. Possibly the student may be regularly employed by day 

 in business or trade, especially since many students are obliged to 

 work in summer-time ; but in the evenings, when the time is usually 

 one's own, a grand opportunity for acquaintance with our insect 

 neighbors awaits him ready at hand, whether the interested person 

 is situated in country or city. Employment by day, then, no mat- 

 ter how confining it may be, in business or other calling, should not 

 bar a person from making a collection of insects as long as evenings 

 are free, and in this respect entomology has an advantage over other 



