262 My. W. F. Evans on the Genus Sialis. 
lines to nearly double that in length. Some parts of the patches 
of eggs are of a much lighter colour than the rest. 
On the third of May ! found many of the eggs hatching, the 
little larvee tumbling about in great numbers, with their bodies 
erected like the Staphylinide. 
On putting them into water they swam about with the greatest 
activity, wriggling and undulating their bodies about much like a 
serpent or the tadpoles, and working their legs at the same time. 
Their heads are remarkably large; but I have thought the 
accompanying sketch (Plate XIX. fig. 5) will better pourtray them 
than a written description, and I have also brought some of them 
alive and some eggs for exhibition. 
XLII. Remarks on the Entomology of New Zealand. By 
Wo. SrepHenson, Esq., Surgeon. 
[Read 2d December, 1844.] 
As the effects of insects, in harmonizing the productions of the 
earth in the grand scheme of the Omnipotent Being, are perhaps 
as much or even more conspicuous in New Zealand than in any 
other country, a few cursory remarks on the Entomology of these 
unexplored islands (drawn from observation on the spot) would 
no doubt be received with interest, had the task devolved upon 
one more capable of doing it justice. 
It has been asserted in print that "New Zealand affords few 
insects, but I am prepared with facts to prove that in those islands 
they abound in certain tribes; and the preponderance of some over 
that of others, in conjunction with divergency of form, will give 
an idea of the peculiarities of New Zealand Entomology. They are 
proportioned to the utility which each genus, tribe or family per- 
forms in a primeval world, where all is seen undisturbed by man. 
In this country, where vegetation is but slightly checked in winter 
by the frost, the face of which is extremely hilly, with deep pre- 
cipitous ravines intervening, upon which there is a profusion of 
rain at all seasons, it may naturally be expected to be found as it 
is, viz. clothed with the most gigantic forms of vegetation. 
