52 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 



Ichneumoninfe, has been monographed by Mr. Morley in the volume 

 before us. 



On pages xi-xxii are presented a copious glossary and a list of 

 works consulted. Then follows the introduction (twenty-eight pages), 

 dealing with, among other things, metamorphosis, structure, the 

 history of the study of Ichueumonidfe, and classification. In his 

 excellent descriptive account of the tribes, genera, and species known 

 to occur in the British Islands, the method of treatment will be 

 warmly appreciated, not only by the student of the group, but by all 

 who desire to work out the identification of their ichneumons. 



The number of indigenous species seems to be about three hundred 

 and eight, while there are only about eight hundred that are so far 

 known to occur in Europe altogether. These species are distributed 

 among the ten tribes and subtribes as follows : — 



Genera. Species. 



1. Listrodromides . , 2 2 



2. Joppides ... 7 35 



3. Ichneumonides 



(a) Oxypygini . 9 119 



(b) Amblypygini . 9 53 



(c) Platyurini . 5 26 



4. Phffiogenides 



(a) Heresiarchini . 1 1 



(b) Phffiogenini . 16 71 



5. Alomyides ... 1 1 



To those who collect lepidopterous larvae with a view of rearing 

 moths and butterflies, the parasitic hymenoptera are by no means 

 strangers. In fact, they are probably better known than appreciated. 

 Although familiar, however, with the appearance and habits of these 

 attractive insects, few lepidopterists are acquainted with the scientific 

 names or the systematic position of even those species that most 

 frequently come under their notice. With the majority of people 

 especially concerned in lepidoptera, the presence of a " wretched 

 ichneumon " in the breeding-cage is ruefully regarded, and although 

 usually slaughtered on sight, is rarely preserved as a specimen. The 

 publication of Mr. Morley's book on the IchneumoninaD will most 

 certainly moderate present aversion to the tribe, even if it does not 

 entirely transform that feeling into one of kindly interest. 



OBITUARY. 



We have to record with regret the death of Thomas Kelsall, who 

 recently passed away at his son's house at Blackpool, at the age of 

 eighty- three. He was formerly employed in the Geological Depart- 

 ment of the Manchester Museum, Owens College, where for many 

 years he rendered efficient service. He was a member of the Ento- 

 mological Society in 1859, together with G. Aspinall, Benjamin Cook, 

 Joseph Chappell, John Hardy, B. B. Labrey, and others. Mr. Kelsall 

 was a man of marked and original character. His loss will be regretted 

 by many, who will feel sincerest sympathy with his family. — E. J. W. 



