1882.] 95 



The individual parts of this work have, so often as they appeared, been alluded 

 to by us in terms of almost unqualified approbation. 



Some would no doubt wish that the intervals between the publication of each 

 part were not so extended. Others might qualify this by an expression of opinion 

 that haste might foster inaccuracy. Mr. Edwards commits himself to no stated 

 period of publication, and no one will presume to question the nervously-exercised 

 care exhibited in each part. 



Only two " species " are considered in Part X, viz., Sati/riis Alope, F., and 

 Heliconia Charitonia, L. To the former two magnificent plates are entirely de- 

 voted. As is usual, Mr. Edwards takes the philosophical view as to what should 

 zoologically be termed a " species." 



In his history of Heliconia Charitonia he has had an opportunity of philoso- 

 phizing ujjon the habits of the only species of an otherwise extensive genus that 

 falls within his faunistic limits. We need scarcely remind our readers that the 

 genus has long been " notorious " in many ways, and much of the information here 

 given (even for the species) has been discounted ; but all the details are now 

 before us. 



The Part concludes with a commencement (from Papilio to Argynnis) of a 

 " Synopsis of North American Butterflies ; revised and brought down to 1882." 

 A critical analysis of the author's views, as enunciated in tliis Synopsis, cannot fail 

 to be instructive, and especially so, if made in conjunction with that of the writings 

 of contemporary authors. 



Ehopaloceea Malatana, a description of the Butterflies of the Malay Penin- 

 sular ; by W. L. Distant. Parts I & II, April and July, 1882. London : The 

 Author, care of West, Newman & Co. Eoyal 4to. 



We have before us the first two parts of this truly magnificent work, the incep- 

 tion of which was due, in the first instance (as the Author states), to Mr. D. Logan, 

 of Penang. The Author's former residence in the Straits Settlements peculiarly 

 fits him for the production of a work such as this. Judging from the two parts 

 already published, it bids fair to take a scientific position far above the ordinary run 

 of "Butterfly books." The descriptions are clear, and are always accompanied by 

 copious comparative, geographical, and philosophical notes, showing that the Author 

 has thoroughly read up his subject. The plates (of which there are four in each 

 part) are at present in advance of the letter-press, and are in the best style of 

 chromo-lithography, with occasional supplementary " touching up " by hand, every 

 species being figured (as are also the more prominent varieties). It might have 

 been better had the title of the work been limited to that indicated in the second 

 half of the actual title, the first half being open to a far wider interpretation than 

 is warranted by the second. 



An Illtjsteated Essay on the Noctuid^ or North America, with " a 

 Colony of Butterflies ;" by Augustus Kadcliffe G-rote, A.M., &c. Pp. 1 — 85, 

 ' with four coloured plates. London : John Van Voorst. 1882. Koyal 8vo. 



