1892.] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 95 



less sumptuous illustration. In our country the number of those inter- 

 ested is so small, that publication must be at a loss even if the illustrations 

 be of the least expensive character consistent with accuracy and definition. 

 Photography will do much, but there are many species, especially among 

 the moths, in which it can give us an outline, and in which it fails to give 

 shades or even contrasts of color where the two colors affect the plate 

 similarly. The orthochromatic plates help somewhat, but do not solve 

 the problem entirely. 



I think I can safely say that all of my colleagues in the work on the 

 "List" would be willing to contribute to publications such as suggested, 

 could they be ensured against financial loss — recompense they would not 

 expect. I know of at least two monographic works that cannot be issued in 

 the shape in which they were planned, simply because of the cost and 

 the absolute hopelessness of getting back the outlay. No publisher will 

 touch them, except at the authors' expense, and the authors are not 

 wealthy. But, after all, are the "Rocks" so formidable, and would the 

 illustrations really do much to advance the study of Entomology ? Mr. 

 Meyrick is opposed to all illustration of species because he thinks the 

 figures will be used to identify specimens without recourse to the text for 

 a knowledge of characters. While I do not agree with him fully, I think 

 there is no reasonable cause for complaint where monographic works on 

 a family are at hand, even if not illustrated. Of course it means study, 

 but no one who is really interested will shirk study. That interest which 

 goes only to the collection of specimens and naming them by pictures, 

 without any further object, is scarcely worthy of much attention. We 

 have books enough for those who want to study, and never have there 

 been so many papers of a monographic character issued, as in the few 

 years last past. The fact that our fauna is incompletely known is no ob- 

 jection to monographic work. A very serious trouble, however, which 

 is really the greatest "Rock," is the fact that the publications that do 

 exist, are usually not accessible, except in large cities, and often not then. 

 Yet, even this trouble is gradually disappearing, and the newer publica- 

 tions, on which Entomological News keeps its readers posted, largely 

 render reference to older and more rare works unnecessary. Meanwhile, 

 I will suggest that there is scarcely a specialist who will not gladly name 

 for the collector such material as is sent him, or who will not give what 

 aid is in his power to the young student. Finally, I will make a definite 

 proposition: If three hundred and fifty subscribers could be obtained for 

 a monograph of the Noctuidae to be issued in monthly parts, each part to 

 cost fifty cents, and to be illustrated by at least one quarto plate with 

 necessary descriptive matter, I would agree to prepare such a work. 

 Number of parts not stated. — ^John B. Smith. 



The special bulletin of the Massachusetts Agricultural College just 

 issued contains an interesting account of the gypsy moth, Ocneria dispar, 

 by Prof. C. H. Fernald. The State of Massachusetts is making a noble 

 fight against this most destructive insect. Two years ago the State ap- 



