THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 177 



names affixed (as is done with regard to Atlantic species), 

 when the original name marlied var. would prevent undue 

 multiplication of" species, and indicate both a principle and a 

 fact. The insect in question would thus stand as H. Humuli, 

 var. thulensis. — W. D. Crotch. 



110. Scarcity of Bomhy.v neustria. — In reply to Mr. Clif- 

 ford's inquiry (Entoui. 160), I beg to say I have also noticed 

 the exceeding scarcity, during the last few years, of this once 

 common insect. About five summers ago its beautiful larva 

 literally swarmed in the neighbourhood of Clapton, feeding 

 on the apple and other fruit trees in our gardens ; but I have 

 not seen a single specimen since, I am told, however, that 

 a little further north it has been tolerably plentiful. — 

 William J. Argent ; Lower Clapton, Febriiary 4, 1865. 



111. Larva of Bomhyx neustria : ghititioiis secretion of the 

 Female Imago. — In answer to Mr. Clifford (Entom. 160), may I 

 state that the larva of Bombyx neustria was as abundant as 

 ever duriug the last summer in this Island ? When dissected 

 the female imago shows a beautiful provision for securing the 

 egg to the branch of the food-plant. In the lower part of 

 the abdomen are two pear-shaped glands filled with liquid 

 gum, and as the egg passes these it becomes covered with 

 the cement, which, on exposure to the atmosphere, quickly 

 hardens. It is insoluble in water, and so tenacious that 

 pieces of card-board secured together by it cannot be sepa- 

 rated without tearing. — Henry Moncreaff ; Southsea, Fe- 

 bruary, 1865. 



112. Preservation of Larvce. — I am glad to see the sub- 

 ject of larvae-preservation occupying the attention of readers 

 of the ' Entomologist.' The success which has attended the 

 small experience I have had justifies me in stating a few par- 

 ticulars. The spirit I have used has been good spirits of 

 wine, a little above proof. Besides other species, I have 

 some Bombyx neustria larvae preserved in this way four or 

 five years ago, and the numerous bright lines of colour which 

 this species exhibits are as fresh as ever. The larvge are 

 suspended from the cork of a small vial, by means of a liga- 

 ture of fine cotton tied just above the anal segment. The 

 spirit became at first slightly tinged with green, but the 

 removal of the laivsc afterwards into pure spirit left all clear. 

 It is important in preserving larvae in spirits to seize the 



