History of Entomology in the United States. 27 
College, Gettysburg, and probably other institutions have made 
similar provision. 
The collections of insects in this country, though not numer- 
ous, are in many instances very respectable. Dr. MeLsHEIMER’s 
is the richest in native species that I have seen in this country. 
Dr. Harris’s is doubtless very extensive. Major Leconrr’s must 
be valuable. Prof. Hauprman, in addition to that made by him- 
self, now possesses the collection formerly owned by Prof. Henrz, 
containing many of our rarest species. Mr. Zrecier’s of York, is 
increasing. My own contains upwards of seven thousand species 
of native and foreign Coleoptera, and a large number of Lepido- 
ptera. Mr. Peaue’s, of Washington, is large and splendid, con- 
sisting chiefly of Lepidoptera. He has them arranged geograph- 
ically, and not systematically, as most other collectors have. Dr. 
Wirxens of New Jersey, and Mr. Witcox late of Brooklyn, N. Y. 
had magnificent collections; but it is not known to the writer 
whether they still retain them. 
There are doubtless other private collections in the country, 
but they have not come within my observation. The public col- 
lections are not numerous. Several of our colleges are engaged 
in establishing them, and it is hoped that soon no cabinet of nat- 
ural history will be considered to be complete, without a well ar- 
ranged and correctly systematized collection of insects. That of 
Count Castetnav (M. Laporre) now deposited in the National 
Institute, Washington, is the largest and richest in the country. 
It is gratifying to learn that the Association of Geologists and 
Naturalists, at their last meeting in New Haven, directed their at- 
tention to this subject. A committee was appointed to prepare a 
Manual of North American Coleoptera, and Mrisuemer, Haupe- 
MAN, and Leconte, jr., are just the men to whom such a work 
may be entrusted. We may before long look for something wor- 
thy of their distinguished abilities. 
This, as far as could be ascertained, is an imperfect sketch of 
the past and present state of entomology in our country. 
will be seen that little, in comparison with other natural sciences, 
has been accomplished ; but it is advancing, and new laborers are 
entering the field. It is hoped that it will soon occupy the high 
position which its interest and importance demand. 
