THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 115 
and particularly to create genera, from mere drawings. 
Megathymus, as founded on Boisduval’s figures, is very much 
of a myth. It is so with all genera erected by the mere 
coining of a name without recognizable definition; and while 
a Hiibner, in making a number of divisions on superficial 
grounds, may accidentally hit upon relationships which sub- 
sequent research proves correct, he certainly does not greatly 
benefit science by his work. Again, we may learn the 
necessity for the adoption by entomologists of some rules for 
guidance in matters that do not come within the scope of 
present accepted rules. Can names connected solely with 
published figures be accepted? Shall we write Yucce 
Boisduval or Yucce Walker? Such questions become the 
more important when two different names are employed. A 
figure, however good, cannot be considered a definition ; and, 
whilst most entomologists would consider that the species in 
question had not virtually been named until described by 
Walker, others take a different view, and perhaps with reason, 
since a good figure, so far as recognition of the thing intended 
is concerned, is infinitely more definite than the majority of 
the earlier descriptions of species in entomology. 
In conclusion, | take pleasure in expressing my obligations 
to Mr. W. F. Kirby of Dublin, Mr. John A. Ryder of *Phila- 
delphia, and Mr. Herman Strecker of Reading, Pa., for kind 
assistance in my studies of this insect; and more particularly 
to my esteemed correspondent Dr. J. H. Mellichamp of 
Bluffion, S. C., for his efforts in furnishing material, aud to 
my friend Mr. S. H. Scudder of Cambridge, Mass., for valuable 
aid, always freely given. 
Cuas. V. RILey. 
Descriptions of Oak-galls. Trauslated from Dr. G. L. Mayr’s 
‘Die Mittelenropaischen Eichengallen’ by E. A. Fitcu, Esq. 
(Continued from p. 78.) 
46. Biorhiza renum, Uart.—This gall is, in the fresh 
state, very beautiful, though small. It appears towards the 
end of September on the under sides of the leaves of Quercus 
sessiliflora, Q. pedunculata, and Q. pubescens, generally in 
large numbers, and often densely crowded: it is attached to 
