—72— 



transverse basal line, the latter faint, lon,a:itudinal impressions of the angles 

 short and shallow. Elytra oval, one-fourth longer than wide, disc slightly 

 flattened, deeply striate, punctuation indistinct, not crenate, intervals convex, 

 smooth. Body beneath piceous-black, smooth, shining. Length .43 inch. ; 

 II mm. 



This species belongs to the Sphcerodenis group, and is allied to 

 stenostomiis and cajiadensis. The thorax is, relatively to the elytra, 

 smaller than in either of the above species, and more narrowed at 

 base, and differs especially in having the basal impressions faint and 

 short and absolutely without punctures. Its form is more slender 

 than either of the above-named species, anti is not unlike Nouiaretus 

 bilobus. 



One female specimen obtained from northern Idaho, and kindly 

 given me by Mr. Aug. Merkel, whose name I attach to it in recog- 

 nition of many favors. 



NOTES AND NEWS. 



Even old scientists will commit indiscretions. Our old and 

 venerable friend. Dr. Ivan Gundlach, having persisted in wading 

 through the malarious swamps in the vicinity of the Aguadore River, 

 southeast Cuba, to discover new wonders, has paid the tribute of 

 human frailty. He has contracted a severe laryngial affection and 

 been ordered back to Havana by the physicians of Santiago. We 

 wish our friend, who will celebrate his 80th birthday next July, a 

 speedy recovery. 



From Tatsienlou, Thibet, the mountain abode of the renowned 

 Abbe David, from whom Mr. Oberthlir received years ago those 

 wonderful lepidoptera described in his "Etudes Entomologiques," 

 I receive shipments now by way of Europe. Many of the insects 

 are entirely new to science, and I shall refer to them in these columns 

 in the course of time. 



Capt. Yankowsky has started on an extended tour up the Yang- 

 tse-Kiang River, Central China, and will go through western Sze- 

 chuen and Mount Oune, territories never before visited by any col- 

 lector. I have a share in the expedition, and hope for great spoils. 



The rare SmerintJms cerysii and Platarctia parthenos have been, 

 last season, raised from the ^^%, and Prof Braun will shortly pub- 

 lish their life-history. 



The last two volumes of the " Butterflies of Japan," by the late 

 Mr. Pryer, have just been published by the estate, and show what 

 an ardent and thorough -going scientist this gentleman was. 



B. Neumoegen. 



