1S78.] 87 



This species is very close to C. propinqua, but is at once distinguished by the 

 longer clypeus, which is more deeply notched and more distinctly punctured ; the 

 apical callosity of the elytra is very acute, and the apex of the elytron below the 

 callosity (from the suture extending a little round the side) is rather closely strigose 

 punctate. The pygidium is rendered opaque by reason of the density of the trans- 

 verse striation, and there is an oblique shallow but distinct impression on each side. 

 The presternum is slightly bent over towards the anterior coxae, but not quite so 

 much as in C. mauritiana. 



British Museum : August, 1878. 



Fancy 'prices for British Insects. — 



Merton Hall, Thetford : August 6th, 1878. 



To the Editors of the Entomologists^ Montldy Magazine. 



Gentlemen, — I enclose a letter which seems to throw some light upon the im- 

 portation of foreign specimens of rare British insects. I am not in the habit of 

 buying, and certainly not at fancy prices, but if collectors are to be found who will 

 give anything approaching to the prices named in this letter, they put a high 

 premium upon unscrupulous deception. I cast no imputation whatever upon the 

 fortunate possessor of 41 specimens of Pachnohia alpina. If he can get £20 for the 

 best of them he will be right to do so, but the investment does not recommend 

 itself to a mere student, who seeks to learn the innumerable forms under which the 

 creations of nature are to be distinguished and separated with precision. — I am, yours 

 faitlifully, Walsingham. 



The following is a copy of the letter referred to : — 



begs to inform Lord Walsingham that he has 41 flue specimens of 



Pachnohia alpina, most of them as good as bred. The prices range from £6 to £20. 



If his lordship would like to see them, will forward them by post, with the 



prices attached. There are marvellous varieties of this fine moth, and no two are 

 alike.— July 31 st, 1878. 



[We have great pleasure in publishing the above letter from Lord Walsingham, 

 and a copy of that received by him, omitting name. The question of price (as he 

 suggests) rests between buyer and seller. There is no standai'd regulating the prices 

 of " British " insects ; and if there are those willing to pay any sum asked, we do not 

 see how it is possible to prevent the sellers from receiving it. Continental dealers 

 (all over Europe) have, through competition, arrived at a general system of prices, 

 varying very little individually, so far as can be judged from the lists we receive. 

 The inti'insic value of a " British " insect should be about on a par with that of a 

 continental specimen of the same species, varying slightly either way, on account of 

 rarity, &c., or otherwise. From a scientific point of view it is to be regretted that 

 insects are sold as "British" that are not of native origin; but the mischief is 

 mainly caused by the buyers. So long as there are British idiots willing to pay 

 fancy prices for " British " insects, it is quite certain the supply will be equal to the 

 demand. In the particular case in question we have no reason to suspect any 

 fraud, — quite the contrary. — Eds.] 



