184 



inaequalis. The native Cerambycid {Plagithmysus lanaiensis) 

 recorded by Dr. Perkins from this neighborhood I did not find 

 although I spent a good deal of time seeking it. Either it was 

 out of season in October or the damp atmosphere and lack of 

 sunshine which prevailed on the mountain on this particular day- 

 prevented its appearance on the trunks of Ohia lehua to which it 

 is supposed to be attached. It was taken by Dr. Perkins in the 

 month of July, 1894. 



The time I spent collecting and observing insects on Lanai was 

 only what could be spared from a short visit to the Island made 

 primarily for business, and I did not expect under such circum- 

 stances to either enlarge or enrich my collection to any great ex- 

 tent, yet it was with no ordinary pleasure that I made my quest 

 in the virgin forest of Haalelepakai or the deep ravines of its 

 slopes, and although not altogether successful as to the number of 

 species of insects collected there, it was yet quite worth the trip to 

 Lanai even if only to add to my collection of Coleoptera and 

 Aculeate Hymenoptera some of the exceedingly interesting endemic 

 species above enumerated. How much of novelty, interest, excite- 

 ment, satisfaction and health such days of collecting can yield is 

 surely only known to those whose lives seem too short to study a 

 few species of the smallest, but not least interesting, of God's 

 creatures. 



The rapid disappearance of this virgin forest and that of other 

 districts of these Islands should act as a bugle call to the members 

 of this Society. The examination, classification and identification 

 of specimens are matters that can be postponed, (although it is 

 known that I am not favorable to delay in any branch of our 

 work) but if collectors do not get into the field quickly the prizes 

 nature now offers in some districts of these Islands may soon be 

 withdrawn never, perhaps, to be offered again. We are with rea- 

 son proud of the achievements of our entomologists in the local 

 economic field : if some of the individual members of this Society 

 fail to accomplish anything in pure science let the blame not be 

 attributed to neglected opportunities. This Society now includes 

 a number of enthusiasts who could not spend their leisure time 

 better than in exploring every nook of a country "where every 

 prospect pleases" and blessed with a climate so benignant that 

 outdoor life is not only always possible but is a panacea for the 

 ills that follow the cares of business and the indulgences of city life. 



