112 COLEOPTERA. 



a century has well nigh elapsed since the announcement that 

 the nomenclature of nearly all the British species was cleared 

 up, I think that this appeal can scarcely be styled unreason- 

 able, particularly when it is borne in mind, that the con- 

 sciousness that one was engaged on the subject whose high 

 qualifications have been incontestably proved, whose mate- 

 rials are unequalled in extent, and whose opportunities of 

 arriving at correct results are and must remain unparalleled, 

 has deterred others from paying that attention to the group 

 which they might otherwise have done, — that the collection 

 of the illustrious Schbnherr, now gathered to his fathers, 

 having, I believe, become public or rather government pro- 

 perty, will never again contribute the types and information 

 which its late possessor, doubtless satisfied that they would 

 be applied to the general weal, the advancement of science, 

 and the elimination and dissemination of truth, lavished on the 

 English reformer, — that the enlightened and amiable Germar, 

 who likewise lent his hearty co-operation, has also passed 

 away, although, happily for our science, his collection has 

 descended to one, who, among the first to point out and 

 rectify the errors of the nomenclature adopted in this country, 

 has ever extended a helping hand to those engaged in per- 

 fecting the good work he so ably and impartially commenced, 

 and from whose unbiassed and truth-loving pen the pains- 

 taking and conscientious labourer in the entomological vine- 

 yard may with confidence look forward to the encouraging 

 word of praise, and the indolent and unscrupulous scribbler 

 as surely await well-merited rebuke, in the invaluable yearly 

 reports instituted by the late Dr. Erichson. I sincerely trust 

 that this appeal will not have been made in vain, that the 

 precious MSS. will be withdrawn from their resting-place, 

 that they will not tarry on the way to Red Lion Court, and 

 that when the bright sun of the yet distant though approach- 

 ing Spring again calls us from our books and boxes, we 



