154 
whilst I was writing.)—I say, you talk of getting 
specimens: Pray think of my poor list if you have 
it with you, or if not, pack up for me any thing cu- 
rious (particularly English) which may offer. 
I never saw so many of the Musca bombylans, 
mystacea and pellucens, as this year. I observe that 
some years particular insects are excessively com- 
mon; and in others are very rarely to be met with. — 
I remember about eight years ago the Phalena 
Geometra sambucaria passed over my garden night 
after night, like flakes of snow almost: perhaps I 
speak a little too hyperbolically, but I am confident 
I have taken fifty on a night ; but since that time I 
have never seen twenty, that I know of. If you 
pass by any places where the Stwm or Phellandrium 
is in plenty, do look for the Curculto paraplecticus, 
and take as many of them as youcan. I am told 
it is not uncommon abroad. The Ptinus elytris 
striatis is probably the Pzinus mollis of Linné. Is 
it reddish brown ? 
Iam glad to hear that you had your talk out 
with Sir Joseph. I wrote to Marsham last night, 
and told him what you said. See how our minds 
move! Marsham was at that instant writing to 
me upon the same subject. He says he has had a 
conversation with Forsythe, and that we may have 
him if we please. But Forsythe thinks that we 
might form a party in this Society, which he says 
wants weeding very much. But Marsham adds, 
“he told me many things which serve to convince 
me that that is impossible.” I think of going to 
the next meeting of our Society, July 11th, and 
