46 ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO. 



And when we consider that the forms of each locality are thus pushing their way outward, 

 to mingle with those of other localities, we have an abundant source of supply for un- 

 limited variations from the well marked and easily defined forms of any species, to the 

 most minute shades of differences that are well calculated to drive the makers of " Species 

 hy perceptible differences " to the verge of distraction. 



Let us now throw the reins to imagination, and urge it on to its utmost capacity, 

 for it can never exceed the truth in this direction, and conceive if you can the multiplied 

 diversity of external influences that insects have been subjected to since they were first 

 originated up to the present time. Think of the difierences of the environments they 

 may have lived in for a greater or less extended period, and that each and all were 

 perfectly adapted to their times and conditions, harmonizing with and fitting iuto them 

 as naturally and unconsciously as water fits into a vessel. That the surface of the globe 

 has always been diversified in climate ; that insects were as susceptible to external 

 influences, as much given to migrating and mingling together the diverse forms of the 

 same species, and thus multiplying diversity as now ; and that this and a great deal more 

 has gone on through all the geological eras and ages that have intervened between their 

 first appearance and the present, there seems but little cause left for wonder that species 

 should be ditficult to define by perceptible differences. But lest the surprise should take 

 the opposite direction, and the wonder be that classification is possible, remember that 

 this has all gone on under the control of unchanging laws — the laws of life and heredity, 

 with their marvellous power of colour and form, producing beauty and attractiveness ; the 

 laws of matter and force, those that make for change and those that tend to stability ; 

 chemical aflinities and combinations ; brought about through light, cold, heat, and 

 elf ctricity ; change without haste, yet without cessation ; almost imperceptible, but un- 

 mistakably accomplishing results; like some huge, complicated, perfectly adjusted, self 

 regulating machine, so absolutely perfect in its operations that it has never needed 

 alteration or repair since it was first set in motion. Or as the fabled mills of the gods that 

 ground very slowly but very fine, whilst the outcome of the process is what we see. Here 

 we have " descent with modification " throughout the ages, but the same species still, if 

 in the direct line of descent. 



In such plain and evident facts of nature we seem to get sufficiently powerful and 

 persistent causes to bring about the superabundant diversity that characterizes insect life 

 without entering upon those that are obscure and doubtful. 



The period of existence when insects are most susceptible to external influences are 

 in the egg, larval and pupal stages. It is in these that the impressions are received which 

 afterwards show themselves in the changed appearance of the imago. When a change 

 has been produced in the appearance of the mature insect, a change may reasonably be 

 expected in its early stages. Therefore when different localities are possessed of influences 

 that are capable of making themselves manifest in the different appearance of their mature 

 forms, and the early stages of these forms partake of a corresponding difference, and they 

 breed true to thfir particular forms through all their stages, it proves nothing whatever 

 iis to their specific standing. This for conclusive settlement will require the extremes of 

 the mature forms to be brought together, united, and see if they will produce beings like 

 themselves, who are also productive. If so, then the species is one, regardless of their 

 differences. 



My subject would seem naturally to end here, but there are views held by some that 

 are not in harmony with those stated, which will suggest objections that can be antici- 

 pated and may be replied to here without departing from its general scope and purpose. 



Some will be ready to say, if the species is one the name should be one also. I reply, 

 that a single description can never cover a multiform species. A constantly recurring 

 form that requires a sepai'ate description to make it recognizable, should have a separate 

 name. This might have the eflect of reducing the number of species and increasing the 

 number of names. ^ Mr. W. H. Edwards has somewhere said (I quote from memory and 

 may not be exact) : "We have no such a butterfly as Aiax. We have Walshii, Abhotii, 

 Telamonides and Marcellus. These four forms constitute Ajax.^^ Here it requires four 

 descriptions and four names to correctly distinguish one species Mr. Edwards applies 



