1874.] 185 



THE LOCAL ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETIES IN LONDON. 



With the view of obtaining statistical information respecting the 

 various local Societies now existing in London, and especially regard- 

 ing the extent of a taste for entomological pursuits among the working 

 classes (who form the principal element in most of these Societies), 

 we lately addressed a circular to the officials of each body, who have 

 most courteously furnished the required information, fi'om which we 

 have drawn up the present paper. The figures cannot fail to be both 

 suggestive and instructive, especially to continental entomologists, 

 for we have reason to believe that the existence either of Societies of 

 this nature, or of a wide-spread taste for collecting insects among the 

 artizans, &c., of continental cities, is quite unknown. So far as Paris 

 is concerned, we recently made personal enquiries there, and were 

 told that, although entomological ouvriers do exist, their number is 

 quite insignificant. 



We proceed to consider these London Societies according to the 

 dates of their foundation : — 



Hagoeeston Entomological Society.— Established in June, 1858, under the 

 present title. At present there are 116 Members. Subscription, one penny 

 per week : entrance fee, one shilling. Meeting at 10, Brownlow Street, Dalston, 

 every Thursday, from 8.30 to 11 p.m. Has a Library of over 200 vols., and 

 collections (including 826 authentic types of species of British LepidoiAera) ; 

 the property vested in two Trustees, and insui-ed to the extent of £200. Six 

 years ago it originated a system of Annual Exhibitions, in which it has been 

 followed by similar Societies. We believe it consists almost entirely of working 

 men. 



East Londox Entomological (Botanical and Ornithological) Society. — 

 Established in June, 1862, as the ' Eastern Entomological Society,' but now 

 known under the above title. Subscription, one penny per week, with an 

 entrance fee of twopence (for rules). Number of Members, 37- Meets every 

 "Wednesday evening, from 8 to 10.30, at 333, Mile End Eoad. Has a Library 

 of 123 vols., and collections. Probably consists almost entirely of working men. 



West London Entomological Society. — Established in August, 1868, under the 

 same title. 54 Members at the present time. Subscription, thirteenpence per 

 quarter : entrance fee sixpence. Meets at the ' Masons' Arms,' Tichbourne 

 Street, Edgwaro Eoad, every Wednesday evening, from 8 to 10.30. Has held 

 its first Annual Exhibition. Like the last, we believe this to consist of 

 working men. 



NoETH London Entomological Society.— Established in the beginning of 1869 

 as ' I Zingari Entomological Society,' which title has been since changed. 

 At present there are only 11 Members, five of whom are ' Honorary.' Sub- 

 scription, six shillings per annum : entrance fee, ouo shilhng. The meetings 

 appear to have been temporarily suspended, but the next wiU take place on the 



