B.C. Entomological Socikty. 



In 1004, again, largely resultant from the impetus given the science of ento- 

 mology in the Province by Dr. Dyar's " List of Lepiiloptera," and founded directly 

 on that list, Mr. Francis Kermode, Curator of the Provincial Museum. Victoria, 

 assisted by Mr. E. M. Anderson, also of the Museum, published a " Catalogue of 

 British Columbia Lepidoptera " from cabinet specimens in the Museum. 



This list was revised and enlarged in lOOG by the officers and other members 

 of the British Columbia Entomological Society, and published by the authority of 

 the Legislative Assembly from the Provincial Department of Agriculture. 



I Ti-ill now go back to the point where I broke off to speak about the literature 

 available to students iu the Province. 



In 1901 we read of the formation of the British Columliia P^ntoniological Society, 

 of which the Kev. George W. Taylor naturally became the first President. The 

 following account records the initi" ^-ention proceedings, and the subse- 



ijuent occurrences relative to the Society, in the words of Mr. Tom Wilson when 

 Vice-President in 1911 : " In 1901 the late Dr. Fletcher had occasion to visit British 

 Columbia in connection with the work of his Department. During his stay in Van- 

 couver I had the opportunity of introducing him to Mr. H. V. Harvey, of the city, 

 who was then I'rincipal of Queen's School. In di.scussing matters iu connection with 

 the entomological work in British Columbia, the idea was suggested to form a 

 Society whose special object was to unify the work of those particularly interested 

 in the study of insects in the Province. The idea came to maturity and the Society 

 was formed. For two years we had a live Society here in Vancouver, with such 

 members as Messrs. G. W. Taylor, Sherman, Bush, Dashwood-Jones,« Ed. Wilson, 

 Draper, Marrion, Bryant, L. D. Taylor. Hanhani. and myself in more or less regular 

 attendance. . . . Regular meetings were held in Vancouver and reports were 

 issued semi-monthly on matters of interest. These reports took the form of letters 

 which were forwarded from one member to the other by the members themselves." 



The first meeting of this Society was called on March 13th. 1902. in Queen's 

 School. Vancouver. Biannual meetings appear to have been held from this date 

 until February Gth. 190.5. The records of such meetings are preserved iu a minute- 

 book, no attempt being made to print them for permanent distribution and I'ecord, 



Great credit is due R. V. Harvey. M.A., for his earnest endeavours iu maintain- 

 ing and recording the minutes and transactions of the Society, These same are 

 Iteing retained on the shelves of the Society to-day, and as they contain many 

 notices of important captures and worthy resolutions, they will long be referred 

 to by students in entomology. In fact, next to the late Rev. G. W. Taylor. I think 

 we are mostly indebted to Mr. Harvey for the continuance of the Society as a Society 

 from the commencement in 1901 until 190S. during which period he acted as Secre- 

 tary, for when he gave up active interest in entomology, principally, no doubt, on 

 account of increased professional responsibilities, not only were the bulletins (to be 

 mentioned) dropped, but the meetings of the members ceased temporarily. 



This is not to be wondered at when it is remembered that mo.st of the articles 

 appearing in the bulletins were from Mr. Harvey's pen. The bulletins contain nuich 

 interesting reading and I cordially recommend them to your attention. Copies are 

 to be found in the library of the Society. 



The first quarterly l)ulletin was published in March. 1906. In the opening 

 paragraphs we find the following words : " Ever since our Society was formed 

 we have laboured under a difficulty which has severely handicapped our work — 

 namely, the distance which separates individual members. . . . Attempts have 

 been made to meet this difficulty by sending round MS. notes, but here the neglect 

 of one member has thrown the whole system out of gear. . . . Last December 

 the Secretary approached the Provincial Department of Agriculture to obtain aid 

 in printing a regular bulletin of our proceedings and work. This assistance has 

 been promised for one year, and it rests with us to prove to the Department the 

 value of our work. The bulletin will be published in March. June. September, and 

 December, and a copy will be sent to each member." 



