ON TWO NEW SPIiClES OF THE GENUS ELAPHRUS. 4 



its parent and itself, would be performed with the same un- 

 varying unerring instinct. 



The cloudy misty east wind, in which our farmers and 

 gardeners see the blight, is the very weather of all least 

 favourable to the propagation and increase of these weevils. 

 The fine clear sunny days of March and April are the most 

 favourable to them. The tomtits, sparrows, bullfinches, and 

 other birds, which, at this time of year, more particularly 

 frequent orchards and gardens, and which, also, at this time of 

 year, are persecuted with relentless hostility by the farmer and 

 gardener, live, during these months, solely on these weevils, and 

 similar little insects ; and, consequently, are the only check on 

 their increase which we possess : so that, in the first investiga- 

 tion of blight, we see how a little prejudice, superstition, and 

 ignorance, tend to increase the injury they dread. 



I have much more of this kind in store, which shall be for- 

 warded, if the sample be approved. If you admit all manner 

 of crack-jaw, and register the invention of systems ad libitufn, 

 it would surely be unfair to deprive your readers of a little 

 humble English, and plain statements of facts recorded by a 

 faithful and attentive observer of nature. 



I am. Sir, Yours, &c. 



RUSTICUS. 



Art. V. — On Two Species of the Genus Elaphrus, lately 

 discovered in Scotland by Charles Lyell, Esq. By John 

 Curtis, Esq. F.L. S. 



Sir, — I conceive that the discovery of a new object in nature, 

 or, in other words, the attainment of knowledge, is one of the 

 great incitements to men engaged in science. It is therefore 

 just to give credit to those who are, by their zeal, daily adding 

 to our stores of knowledge by the addition of new species. 

 With this view, it is my intention occasionally to trouble you 

 with the characters of genera, and the description of species ; 

 and I hope when more useful contributions do not occupy the 

 pages of your Magazine, that you will do me the favour to 

 insert them, that I may have the pleasure of giving as well as 

 receiving information. 



It has often happened that new species of insects have been 

 discovered, belonging to genera so circumscribed, or so well 



