.1894. SOME NEW BOOKS. 467 



there should be no reserve in withholding the particulars from 

 British naturalists, to many of whom the transactions of foreign 

 societies are inaccessible. 



H. A. Macpherson. 



For Beetle-hunters. 



L'Amateur des Coleopteres. Par Henri Coupin. Bibliotheque des Connaissance 

 Utiles. Pp. viii., 352, 217 figures. Paris: J. B. Bailliere & Fils, 1894. 



This is a very good, practical book. It opens with a chapter describing 

 the various implements for the capture of beetles and giving 

 instructions for their use. The British entomologist will, perhaps, get 

 some comfort from the fact that his French co-worker, like himself, 

 needs to be warned to ignore the rude remarks " des petits paysans " on 

 his equipment and pursuits. A list of the principal families of beetles 

 follows, with notes on the food, habits, and localities of each. A 

 short account of their structural characters might, we think, have been 

 added, with advantage to the reader. Then follow nineteen chapters, 

 each devoted to some special locality for collecting ; we have 

 directions for " la chasse sous les pierres," " dans les jardins," " au 

 bord de la mer," "dans la maison," "dans les animaux putrefies" (an 

 inviting locality), etc. The beetles which the collector is Hkely to find 

 in each habitat are mentioned, and figures are given which will enable 

 him to make out many of the common species. This method 

 of treatment by localities is fresh and attractive ; the worker will soon 

 feel the need of a systematic treatment of the subject, but this, we 

 feel sure, is a result aimed at by the author. The habits of many 

 genera are noticed, and we are specially glad to remark that the 

 author directs the attention of the beginner to the collection and 

 study of larvae and pupae. Some coleopterists seem to ignore the fact 

 that the beetles are metabolous insects. 



These chapters on collecting are followed by one upon the 

 preservation and arrangement of the collection. The author 

 recommends phenic acid, if used with care, as a reliable preservative 

 for the cabinet. He advises collectors not to mount their insects 

 touching the drawer-bottom except for purposes of exchange with 

 Englishmen ; we are glad to think that this fashion is passing away 

 amongst us, and that our continental comrades would now find the 

 insects in our best collections well raised on the pins. The final 

 chapter is devoted to "les collections picturesques." The author 

 gives examples, with figures, of the ornamental necklaces, etc., which 

 South American and other tribes make from the elytra of brilliant 

 tropical beetles. He wishes that Europeans would follow the 

 example of these savages, and make use of metallic beetles 

 " dans les elegances feminines." Some of us would rejoice at this 

 if there were any hope that it would stop the slaughter of birds for 

 millinery. 



For Mr. William Sikes. 



Habitual criminals will turn with interest to the report on the best 

 means available for their identification, which has just been issued by 

 H.M. Stationery Office at a price (lod.) calculated to put it within 

 the reach of the most unsuccessful. Mr. Francis Galton's method of 

 identification through the impressions of the finger-tips is regarded 

 as the most scientific and accurate, and is recommended for the final 

 test in each case. But, owing to the difficulty of classifying a very 



