138 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [May, 



3rd. All of the essential and desirable features of the " block 

 system" obtained, thus avoiding the tedious repinning for 

 accessions. 



4th. The nonecessity for a double series of each species to ex- 

 hibit the underside, every example is available by simply turn- 

 ing over the case. 



5th. All dangers of moisture, drafts, coughing, sleeves, pen- 

 cil points, dropping eye-glasses, dust, and insects are avoided. 



6th. Labels and data are inseparable from the insects, especi- 

 ally desirable in types. 



7th. Easily examined with a hand lens above and below. 



8th. Material can be passed around during a lecture or meet- 

 ing without fear of injury, or loaned to your friend and fellow 

 enthusiast, the kindergarten teacher or otherwise made to serve 

 a much wider field — for if a collection is not educational it is 

 senseless. 



9th. As to the cost each one can figure that out for their own 

 locality and condition, and if I have omitted anything I will 

 cheerfully answer all inquires. 



O. B. Johnson, 610 Pike Street, Seattle, Wash. 



Letters from Thomas Say to John F. Melsheimer, 

 J8J6-1825.— IIL 



Philad^. July 30*.':' 1816 

 Dear Sir 



I have sent you pT James Griffith, Baltimore the following 

 Insects that I hope may meet your acceptance, it is true their 

 number is very limited but they may possibly interest you 

 being foreigners — the names of some of them may be wrong as 

 I have not the chance of reference to many books, if they are 

 so please to correct me 



Scarabaus Lin. Molossus — PLthecius — Indicus & Cindus of 

 India Tityus of Maryland — Ctirculio hnperialis — Splendens of 

 South America & Squaiiudosus of India — Buprestis vittata of 

 India — Elater nodilucus of Jamaica (this insect was presented 

 to me alive, its light was very vivid) I cannot determine the 

 species of Chrysomela of South America Meloe (Mylabris) Bifas- 



