—159— 



In DytiscidcE there are described 22 species representing 13 genera, 

 out of a total of 950 species and 35 genera. 



In HydrophilidcB, there are described 30 species representing 14 gen- 

 era, out of a total of 570 species and 30 genera. 



In SlaphilitiidiE are described 75 species with -^j genera, out of a 

 total of 4136 species and 270 genera. 



In Silphidte are described 25 species with 9 genera, out of 960 species. 



In ScarabceidcE, are described 85 species in 40 genera, out of 6550 

 species. 



In BiipresiidcE. are described 70 species in 20 genera, out of about 

 2700 species. 



In EJateridce. about 60 larvct ilescribed out of a total of 3 100 species. 



In Curculio?ndae, about 20G larva? described in 65 genera, out of a 

 total of 10 1 50 species. 



In Cera?nbycidae, about 150 species of larvte described in about 70 

 genera, out of a total of 7600 species. 



A summing up of the above shows that there are about 900 species 

 of larva described, out of a total of 45,600 species, giving a proportion 

 of I to 50. Since the publication ol the Munich Catalogue, the des- 

 cription of new species has gone on with unabated activity, while, at the 

 same time comparatively very few larvje have been made known. Thus 

 the proportion will be somewhat below two per cent. This refers to the 

 whole world. For the European fauna the proportion is of course con- 

 siderably higher, while for the North American fauna, the proportion is 

 but little above the average, and hardly reaches i to 40, including all of 

 the unpublished larvae which are in our collections. Of the 83 families 

 of the North American Coleoptera, the larvce of no less than 20 families 

 are entirely unknown."' 



In consideration of the contributions made toward the advance- 

 ment of entomological science through the investigations and publica- 

 tions of the Division of Entomology of the U.S. Department of Agricul- 

 ture, it must be source of gratification to us all, that at no time since the 

 establishment of the bureau, has it been in position to render more 

 efficient service than at the present. The recognition of its value and 

 importance has drawn to it the aid and the support that it needs for its 

 successful operations. It is much to be regretted that just at this time, 

 its activity should be somewhat impaired, by the ill health of its Chief 

 Officer, compelling a temporary respite from official duties. I know that 

 you will unite with me in the earnest desire that the restoration of health 

 which he is seeking in rest abroad, may be speedy and complete. 



Valuable aid to economic entomology may be confidently expected 



