Transactions. 77 



— Dr Sharp of Eccles — when out beetle-huuting on the Cahn 

 near Irongray Kirk, examined a mass o[' flood refuse and 

 secured one specimen of this rarity — the first evei known in 

 Britain or, in fact, Europe (for it has only recently been 

 found on the Continent). Dr Sharp's joy at his good fortune 

 I leave to your imagination. A few days after I happened 

 to be in the same locality on the same errand and fou>id 

 another specimen, which considerably depreciated the value 

 of Dr Sharp's prize, much to that gentleman's disgust. 



These two .specimens, however, are the only two yet 

 found within the circuit of our coasts ; not even the British 

 Museum, with all its treasures, can boast of a single British 

 specimen. 



Elater cloiujaiulus is another rarity which I captured 

 amongst the birch trees in Dalscairth Park. It was not 

 known as Scottish until I found it, and I had considerable 

 difficulty in getting its name, as it was posted backwai'ds 

 and forwards from one Entomologist to another, until Dr- 

 Rye, one of the Editors of the E. M. M.. told me what it was. 



Ci'yjitohypnus 'inai-itirmis and C. Sahulicola are botli of 

 rare occurrence at Kelton in that prolific source of "good 

 things " — flood refuse. The}' are, no doubt — like a good 

 many other rare Beetles — bronghl. down the Nith on the 

 occurrence of sudden floods, clinging to straws, sticks, and 

 leaves. 



Telephorus abdominalis is a local insect, only found on 

 the hills near the Routan Bridge. 



Blaps mortisaga came into my hands in a curious and 

 unexpected manner. When proceeding along Shakespeare 

 Street early one Sabbath morning a few years ago, my atten- 

 tion was drawn to the strange attitude and gestures of a 

 cock. With head to one side, and with as knowing a look 

 as might become the countenance of an Entomologist, the 

 cock was earnestly examining the under side of a large 

 beetle, and calling to his paramour to partake of th? choice 

 morsel. I was just in time to preserve Blaps mortisaga 

 from so ignoble a fate. This specimen is the only one that 

 has yet been found in the district. 



