341 



eign entomology as they need in the understanding of the British spe- 

 cies. The subject of yariatiou will occupj^ a leading position. 



The principal article in the iirst number is upon the genus "Acronycta 

 and its Allies," by Dr. T. A. Chapman, and is followed by a general 

 cousideratiou of "Melanism and Melanochroism in British Lepidoptera," 

 by Mr. Tutt, who agrees with Mr. Cockerell in considering that melan- 

 ism depends largely upon humidity for its occurrence. " i^otes on Col- 

 lecting" bring out several interesting points, and the editor contributes 

 some good " Practical Hints " regarding the breeding of rare species. 



A necrophagous Dipteron.— In the present number we publish an article 

 by ]Mr. Webster upon certain flies found infesting a human corpse in 

 Indiana, and under " Extracts from Correspondence" some correspond- 

 ence upon the general subject as well as upon this particular instance, 

 which will supplement his communication. We had hoped to introduce 

 figures of the species sent by Mr. Webster {Conicera sp.), but must 

 defer them for a near number of Insect Life. 



Florida Orange Scales in California.— The fruit-growers of California are 

 just at present very much disturbed over the importation of fruit trees 

 from Florida which are infested with several scale insects which have 

 not before been prevalent in the former State. Among these are the 

 Long Scale {Mytilaspis gloverii), the Purple Scale (M. citricola), and the 

 Chafi' Scale {Parlatoria ])ergandii). The May number of the Rural Cal- 

 if ornian is largely occupied with discussions of the probable damage 

 which will be done by these pests and the necessity for a rigid quaran- 

 tine. We have received a number of letters also from California asking 

 our opinion and have replied that while there seems reason to believe, 

 and we are inclined to believe, from the evidence at hand, that the scales 

 above mentioned will not flourish in certain parts of southern California 

 like Riverside where the heat and dryness are great, yet it will be un- 

 wise to depend too much on the limited experience of the past. We 

 have therefore reiterated our conviction as to the necessity of usiug 

 every precaution to prevent their introduction. 



One pertinent editorial paragraph in the journal referred to strikes 

 us as worthy of quotation : 



There seems to be a feeling awakened that the times of political entomologists are 

 over, and that in the future men who are versed in the science of entomology are 

 only to be appointed to positions requiring some knowledge of that study. 



California has taken hold of the subject of insect pests with consider- 

 able energy ; but, as was to be expected from the number of oflcial posi- 

 tions created, "political entomologists" have been called into existence 



