( ixxi ) 



of such evidence a single instance will suffice. The numerous 

 varieties of Eucalyptus characteristic of the flora of the 

 Australian region afford nourishment to a large number of 

 very distinct species of Micro-Lepidoptera, notably of the family 

 (EcophoridcB ; although these trees have now been largely mtro- 

 duced in the South of Europe and in other parts of the world, 

 not a single Australian insect, so far as I am aware, has at 

 present been found to accompany them — indeed, beyond their 

 native country they enjoy a singular immunity from insect- 

 attacks, which, if it should continue, may perhaps afford to 

 future generations additional evidence of their artificial intro- 

 duction. 



It is very frequently stated that the increasing love of 

 collecting natural objects within the United Kingdom leads 

 not only to the discovery of rare and local species, but also to 

 their rapid extermination, and this is unfortunately too true 

 as regards the larger and more conspicuous forms. It applies, 

 perhaps, more especially to birds and plants, but, although a 

 few scarce insects may thus become more difficult to obtain 

 in certain known localities, the area of land not open to the 

 general collector is always so considerable as to insure the 

 probability of their survival and subsequent re-distribution, 

 and some individuals of the smaller and more obscure groups 

 may always be trusted to escape observation, and to continue 

 to propagate their species under suitable conditions. Thus, 

 however closely any particular district may be explored, there 

 is always an inducement to further search in the possibility 

 that some unnoticed rarity may yet be discovered or re- 

 discovered. Moreover, the transformations and life-histories 

 of many of even the commonest species are still very imper- 

 fectly known, and this is an additional source of interest, a 

 subject for useful investigation and original observation. 



For these reasons Entomology must always be, as it 

 undoubtedly is at this time, not only a useful but a popular 

 study, and must contribute, perhaps, more than any other to 

 the enjoyment and recreation, mental and physical, of those 

 dwellers in towns who possess a true appreciation of the 

 pleasures and interests attaching to country life. I think it 

 would be difficult to over-estimate the civilising and refining 



