SAMOUELLR S 



Mr. Kirby in his letter on the Societies of Insects, 

 says, " The little beetles called whirlwigs (Gyrinus, 

 L.), — which may be seen clustering in groups, under 

 warm banks in every river and in every pool, 

 wheeling round and round with great velocity, at 

 your approach, dispersing and diving under water, 

 but as soon as you retire resuming their accustomed 

 movements — seem to be under the influence of the 

 social principle, and to form their assemblies for no 

 other purpose but to enjoy together, in the sun 

 beam, the mazy dance." Most of the Gyrinidce emit 

 when taken a whitish fluid of a rancid smell, but 

 Mr. Kirby has observed that this species is without 

 it. 



The specimens that we possess were obtained, 

 some years since, from our much respected and 

 valued friend Dr. Leach ; who received them from 

 Nut wii Ei, where we believe they are found in brack- 

 ish waters,. 



