MIDLAND ENTOMOLOGY. 33 
order Lepidoptera appears to be the favourite—about fifty persons 
(probably there are many more) in Birmingham alone (to my know- 
ledge) paying it more or less attention. Only a very few of these, how- 
ever, care for more than the mere capture and possession of the insects, 
the majority not troubling themselves about their natural history, and 
not contributing anything to the general store of information respecting 
them. A few keen and trustworthy observers are, however, to be found 
amongst the number; the names of some of them (Dr. Jordan, e.g.) 
being known wherever Entomology is studied. The order Coleoptera is 
now receiving more attention than heretofore, several of our best 
Entomologists being at work upon it. The progress made, however, 
although appreciable, is not so great as could be desired. Two very good 
reasons (as affecting existing workers) may be given for this, viz., 
because the observers, being, as a rule, widely separated from each other, 
are unable to work much in unison; and because the time, and therefore 
the opportunities, at their disposal for Entomological purposes are 
extremely limited. 
We cannot, I fear, claim that a very decided affirmative has been 
given to the first question at the beginning of this paper, but even a 
feeble response may greatly encourage an ardent lover, and all lovers of 
insects will rejoice to know that some, even if little, progress is certainly 
being made in our knowledge of Midland Entomology. 
In reply to the second question, as to the number, distribution, and 
character of the Entomologists of the district, there is not much to be 
added to what has already been said. The number of real workers is 
comparatively small, they are very much isolated, and, probably the 
natural result of their separation from each other, they are characterised 
by great unobtrusiveness. It is to be hoped that more of the members 
of our societies will enter upon this fascinating study, and that those 
who are already far advanced in the science may be induced to ‘‘ come 
out” of their seclusion, and make known their discoveries for the benefit 
of their less accomplished co-workers. If our Entomologists could by 
any means be brought into easy communication, and prevailed upon to 
unite in systematic action—meeting together occasionally, if possible, for 
mutual intercourse and comparison of notes—I feel quite sure that great 
and rapid strides would be made in their favourite pursuit, and that 
the Midland Counties would soon become famous in the annals of 
Entomology. 
It now remains to reply to the third and last question—Whether 
anything can be done to develop and foster Entomological tastes in our 
societies? All seem to be agreed that it is desirable to encourage the 
study of Entomology; but opinions will no doubt differ as to the means 
by which that end should be sought. That this science is neglected by 
our members generally has already been shown, and it seems to me that 
the first step towards applying any remedy is to find out, if possible, the 
cause of the neglect complained of. At first sight it is not easy to under- 
stand why Botany, Geology, and Microscopy should attract a larger 
number of observers, and be considered more suitable subjects for study 
than Entomology. Such, however, seems to be the case in most of our 
