Vol. XXX ] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 227 



found a metal block superior in many respects to the more 

 common wooden kind. It is a cylindrical piece of brass, 5 cm. 

 in diameter by 4 cm. in height, with three numbered holes, 

 bored very carefully with a 1.5 mm. drill to the following 

 exact depths: No. i, 27 mm. for fixing points; No. 2, 17 mm. 

 for locality labels ; No. 3. 10 mm. for adjusting the height of 

 specimens by inserting the head of the pin. 



Most collectors now label their specimens with locality and 

 date of collection, but there are still those who omit to mention 

 the collector, perhaps because of embarrassment at seeing such 

 frequent repetition of their own names. This natural feeling 

 of modesty should, however, be repressed, since it is frequent- 

 ly of the utmost importance for the student to know who the 

 collector is. Very often it is desirable to write to the collector 

 for further information regarding some specimen under ex- 

 amination, but more important than this is the fact that the 

 collector's name indicates definitely the ultimate authority, the 

 person responsible for the record. There is unfortunately 

 a wide variability among collectors in the care which they be- 

 stow upon their specimens and hence in the rehance which 

 can be placed on their data, so that in the presence of speci- 

 mens indicating unusual distribution, for instance, the student 

 has every reason to require the collector's name. As an in- 

 stance in point, might be cited certain specimens of Hemiptera 

 which came to my notice some time ago. The data accom- 

 panying these specimens indicated an occurrence far beyond 

 the known range of the species, and I would have viewed the 

 case with some suspicion had not the collector's name, printed 

 on the labels, been that of a Coleopterist well known for his 

 extremely careful methods of work. 



One of the finest aspects of our science is the opportunity 

 for co-operation which it affords. Most entomologists are 

 specialists of necessity and all frequently meet with materials 

 which would be of great value to others, if collected and pre- 

 served with care. It may steal some attention from one's espe- 

 cial pursuit to learn and practice faithfully the methods of 

 others, but it would seem most decidedly worth while, most 

 certain to advance the study of entomology in general. 



