10 



America, there must be some cause or other for this singular state of things. What is that 

 cause? It is, as we believe, a simple fact, which is pretty generally recognized now as true by 

 uioderu naturalists, viz., that the plants and animals of America belong as a general rule to 

 an old-fashioned creation, not so highly improved and developed as the more modernized crea- 

 tion which exists in Europe. In other words, although this is popularly known as the New 

 World, it is in reality a much older world than that which we are accustomed to call the Old 

 World. Consequently our plants and animals can no more stand their ground against Euro- 

 pean competitors imported from abroad, than the Ked Indian has been able to stand his 

 ground against the white Caucasian race, On the other hand, if by chance an American 

 plant or an timerican animal finds its way into Europe, it can, as a general rule, no more 

 stand its ground there against its European competitors than a colony of Red Indians could 

 stand their ground in England, even if you gave them a whole county of land and an ample 

 stock, tools and provisions to begin with. For throughout animated nature, as has been con- 

 clusively shown by Charles Darwin, there is a continual struggle for existence, the stronger 

 and moie favourably organized species overpowering and starving out from time to time their 

 less vigorous and less favourably organized competitors. Hence it is as hopeless a task for a 

 poor puny old-fashioned American bug to contend against a strong, energetic, highly developed 

 European bug as it would be for a fleet of old-fashioned wooden ships to fight against a fleet 

 cf our modern ironclads." Mr. Riley gives also another and perhaps the correct rea,son why 

 the insects which are imported into this country multiply at a prodigious rate. . . It 



is that •' whenever an injurious insect is introduced in our midst, as a general rule the particu- 

 lar parasite or parasites which kept it in check abroad are not introduced with it. Now, if 

 what I have read are facts, and doubtless they are, it is evident that the Colorado Potato 

 Beetle, even if it does reach any part of the Old World, will have a poor chance of extension, 

 believing that that law which governs the struggle for existence will be brought to bear 

 against it, as has been the case in regard to other introduced species from this country." 



A few years hence will prove these statements — that is to say, if the Colorado Potato 

 Beetle reaches Europe within that time. It was introduced into Canada in 1S69 ; during 

 the latter year it was first noticed near Point Edward, at the extreme .south of Lake Humn, 

 and opposite Detroit, near Windsor, at the south-western corner of 8t. Clair. .Since then it 

 has been making its way towards the Province of Quebec. It was last noticed on the eastern 

 confines of Ontario, so that at its present rate of spreading, we may expect this most destiuc- 

 tive insect in our neighbourhood at no dis^nt day. 



I no.v beg to return thanks for your attention to the welfare of the Branch, as well as 

 for the kindness shown me while presiding over you since it was formed. 



WiLLI.AJI COUPER, 



Montreal. 



ADDRESS OF THE INCOMING PRESIDENT OP THE MONTREAL BRANCH 

 OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO. 



Gentlejien, — On assuming the duties of the office which you have so kindly conferred 

 upon me, I wish to make a few remarks in the hope and with the object of furthering the in- 

 terests of our Society, and stimulating us in the study of our science. The excellent address 

 given at our lust meeting by our retiring President was, in the parts relating to our Society, 

 mainly retrospective in character, as befitted the occasion ; but as we are now beginning an- 

 other year's studies, I intend my remarks to be prospective — looking forward to what we may 

 do during the present season, and endeavouring to point out some things which, I think, will 

 help us on individually, and advance our studies as a whole. 



To the statement that Entomology is a pleasing, nay, a fascinating pursuit, you will all 

 readily agree. That it is also the means of healthful and innocent recreation, is also a truth 

 to which your assent will be cordially given. And it is not only a pleasing study and a 

 hi'althful recreation, but also a science requiring close and deep research in order to properly 

 understand its secrets. I believe that as time goes on, and the study of insects is more and 

 more pursued in a philosophical manner, it will be of great value in solving many of the pro- 

 blems relating to animal life, which now claim the attention of naturalists. It may even aid 

 in elucidating some of the mysteries of past conditions of life in this planet, and supply data 



