130 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 



of S. dubitalis, is absolutely separated from it by S. conspicualis 

 and S. murana, the former of which ought clearly to come 

 next to S. anihigiialis, instead of being separated from that 

 species by four others. In the same way, S. atomalis is placed 

 between angustea and gracilalis, with neither of which has it any 

 special affinity, even assuming that each of these species is 

 entitled to specific distinction, which I am inclined to doubt. 

 S. truncicolella is also widely separated from S. basistrigalis, 

 which it more nearly resembles ; while S. ulmella is crammed in 

 between mercurella and cratcegella, apparently in order to inter- 

 pose a scientific frontier between two species so often mixed. 



The only way in which this group can really be mastered is 

 by independent working in difi"erent localities, followed by com- 

 parison of notes and specimens. 



I am somewhat inclined to believe that future observation will 

 show that S. zelleri (so far at all events as our English specimens 

 are concerned), S. atomalis, S. ingratella, and S. gracilalis must 

 all lose their claims to specific distinction ; that S. zelleri, with 

 its already defunct ally S. scotica, will be merged in S. cemhrce ; 

 and S. atomalis in S. amhigualis. Apparently distinct as these 

 two so-called species are, if extreme specimens only are con- 

 trasted, yet intermediate specimens of every possible degree of 

 gradation are familiar to us all, and who can define the boundary- 

 line where amhigualis ends and atomalis begins ? So again, 

 E. ingratella must sink as a mere pale form of S. dubitalis, 

 common to chalky localities ; while S. gracilalis will seek refuge 

 under the name of S. alpina. Of S. basistrigalis I know but 

 little ; while S. cratcegella and S. mercurella seem somehow to 

 be strangely mixed. 



Will entomologists in the coming season turn a little attention 

 to this fine group in general, and to these six species in particular, 

 so that we may see what species we really have ? According to 

 my misgivings it will resolve itself into : — 



1. S. cemhrcB. 5. S. conspicualis. 11. 8. cratagella. 



b. var. zelleri. 6. S. ulmella. 12. S. resinea. 



c. \3ir. scotica. 7. S. phceoleuca. 13. S. Uneolea. 



2. S. truncicolelln. 8. 8. dubitalis. 14. 8. angustea. 



3. 8. hasistrif/alis. b. var. ingratella. 15. 8. alpina. 



4. 8. amhigualis. 9. 8. murana. h. var. gracilalis. 

 b. var. atomalis. 10. 8. mercurella. 16. 8. pallida. 



55, Lincoln's Inn Fields, April 22, 1885. 



