526 Miscellaneous. 



distinction exists beyond differences of size. This I should much 

 like to know, as I was not present at that meeting of the Society. 



Obscurity will necessarily involve the natural history of the Social 

 Heterogyna until competent observers pursue its investigation in 

 tropical climates ; and it is very much to be regretted that Lund 

 should either not have availed himself of his skill and opportunities, 

 or that their results should still be withheld from the entomological 

 pubUc— W. E. S. 



Doubtful identity of Miscus campestris and Ammophila sabulosa. — 

 Under the date of September 7, it is mentioned that Mr. Smith ex- 

 hibited specimens of Me'^ctts campestris sxid Ammophila vulgaris, taken 

 in copuld, whence he was led to consider the former only as a variety 

 of the latter species. From the known interest I take in the Fosso- 

 rial Hymenoptera, I may be excused for observing that I cannot par- 

 ticijDate in Mr. Smith's opinion ; for notwithstanding the possibility of 

 generic identity in the two insects, there cannot be the least doubt 

 of their specific distinction. I might just as confidently state that Os~ 

 mia hirta and Chelostoma maxillosa are identical, because I took 

 them under the same circumstances. Besides, many well-authen- 

 ticated instances are known of widely dissimilar insects being found 

 in equally suspicious conjunction. — W. E. S. 



Reports of Discussions. — I wish to remark upon the reports of the 

 discussions that succeed the reading of papers at the Entomological 

 Society, that vivd voce expressions of opinion ought to be submitted, 

 prior to publication, to their several originators to ensure accuracy ; 

 and indeed, even if the report be correct, a man may not care to have 

 an opinion go forth to the world which was struck out only in the 

 heat of argument. I think the Geologicid Society acts far more 

 wisely by prohibiting the jmblication of their ejctempore discussions, 

 as this and other journals present adequate means for all who desire 

 to announce their views. — W. E. Shuckard. 



Chelsea, April 22, 1841. 



OBITUARY : C. S. RAFINESQUE. 



" Constantine S. Rafinesque-Schmaltz, a Sicilian by birth, first 

 went to North America in the year 1802, where he remained for 

 three years; and returning from his native land in 1815, continued 

 to reside in the United States until his decease in September last 

 (1840). The name of this eccentric, but certainly gifted person, 

 has been connected with the natural history of this country for the 

 last thirty-five 5'ears ; yet, from the manner of their publication, 

 many of his scattered writings are little known to men of science. 

 It is chiefly as a naturalist that Rafinesque is known, although his 

 attention has by no means been restricted to Natural History ; since 

 works on Antiquities, Civil History, Philology, Political Qiconomy, 

 Philosophy, and even a poem of nearly six thousand lines, have pro- 

 ceeded from his pen. Botany, however, was his favourite pursuit, 

 and the subject of a large portion of his writings. Our task," says 

 his biographer, " although necessary, as it appears to us, is not alto- 

 gether pleasing ; for while we would do full justice to an author. 



