1896.] INSECT CASES 283 



April 4, 1896. 



I am now writing to you on a point on which I think that 

 you ex officio are the first I should consult, and I should 

 greatly like your opinion ; and next (if, as I hope, you 

 approve of my sister's and my own proposed presentation), 

 that you will kindly tell me to whom to apply in requisite 

 form. We have, by request of the Council of the Bath and 

 West Society, been preparing an exhibit of Economic 

 Entomology for their approaching Show here. My sister's 

 part consists of twenty coloured diagrams, nineteen injurious 

 insects and their works, and one finger and toe these are 

 very beautifully executed and fitted with loops all ready for 

 hanging; size 26 ins. long by 21 wide. My part is seventeen 

 cases of which the enclosed slips, to be affixed on light 

 slanting strips of wood at end or side of the cases, give 

 just a general idea for observers without a catalogue (Ap- 

 pendix C.). I have tried, you will see, to give just a few 

 illustrations of the main sorts of attack. Scientific names 

 are used of course, but it is essentially an Agricultural 

 Entomological exhibition made to help the plainest under- 

 standing, so I have not taken up space with mere scientific 

 details, and I have spared neither trouble nor cost in pro- 

 curing specimens, especially of the various (Estridce (bot-flies). 

 Also that there might be no possible doubt as to accuracy 

 of nomenclature I got Mr. O. E. Janson to spend two or 

 three hours in rigid investigation, and the only error in 

 naming he found was in the name, or synonym, of a 

 decayed wood-eating wireworm-beetle which I removed 

 to make all sure. Fifteen of the cases are white pine, 

 with what I call " detection" fittings outside. The glass 

 is laid on the top but is kept in place by a handsome 

 narrow brass band. Thus the inside of the case is at 

 once accessible for any authorised purpose ; but those not 

 knowing the arrangements would cause such a clatter and 

 disturbance that their misdoings would be very public. The 

 cases are all as nearly as may be 12 ins. by 8 by 2j. Two of 

 them completing the seventeen are " Live Boxes " of polished 

 mahogany, same size, but of different make to prevent escape. 

 Now, I much want you to tell us whether you think that 

 after exhibition here the collection, including my sister's 

 diagrams, would be acceptable as a presentation to the 

 museum of your Edinburgh University. It is not for me 

 to speak of my own work, but I think it would be of use 

 both in your work and Dr. Fream's, so I am writing to you 

 first of all. If approved and we can arrange comfortably, I 



