-i 5 S- 



described, is either erroneous, or the name of a genus is used which has 

 been long since subdivided. Descriptive work ought either to be left to 

 competent specialists, or, as in the case of Prof. Riley's paper, a special 

 md careful study of the group treated of, should be made. However 

 good a general entomologist a man may be, he cannot have that special 

 knowledge of any one order which is necessary to a describer of new 

 species. Pteromalus futvipes Forbes is the Merisus subapterus of Riley, 

 and Prof. Riley's generic reference is reliable. 



The figures are largely reproductions bom Riley, or from the earlier 

 111. Repts. The new figures are as a rule very poor, inaccurate, in 

 Mime instances even misleading and they print miserably. A recent 

 number of "Science" criticised the last report of the U. S. Dept. of Agri- 

 culture for its illustrations; acknowledging their artistic merit and scien- 

 tific accuracy, but blaming the use of Photo-engraving for their repro- 

 duction. Curiously enough the new figures in this report, which show 

 no traces of that careful supervision of the artist necessary to secure an 

 accurate figure of an insect, are passed over without comment by that 

 Journal. As a whole the report is a valuable contribution to economic 

 entomology, though leaving in some points, much to be desired. 



Further notes upon the markings and attitudes of lepidopterous larvae, 

 together with a complete account of the life history of Sphinx ligustri and Selenia 

 iUunaria (larvx). By Edward B. Poulton. Tr. Ent. Soc. London, 1885. Part II 

 (August 5) pp. 281—329. PI. VII. 



A valuable and exceedingly interesting contribution to the ontogeny 

 of the species treated, of giving some interesting speculations as to the use 

 and purpose of some ol the appendages, and on the origin of the colors 

 and markings and their philosophy. The article is too long to abstract, 

 and we must refer students to the paper itself for its contents. 



Wie entsteht die Gliederung der Insectenfuehler? By Dr. Fritz Mtiller. 

 Kosmos, 1885. Vol. XVII, pp. 201 — 204. 



Notes on the gradual increase in various stages of the number of 

 joints in the antenna? of dlotenjics rugosus and some species of Cochlio- 

 psyche, showing how the increase in number of joint stakes place by divis- 

 ion, principally of the third and fourth joints. 



The Butterflies of North America by William II. Edwards. 2nd series. Boston, 

 Houghton, Mifflindk Co., 1874 — 1884, pp.445, pi. 51. 4 . 



A recent number of '"Science" contains a notice of the above work, 

 which we can heartily indorse. After giving the author deserved credit 

 for the quality of matter, and especially the fine plates (part of this praise 



