Insects. 8053 



of general interest. It was a female, and ihning that nigbt and the nest day she laid 

 about twenty-fiTC eggs, which hatched on the 5th of April, and are now feeding on 

 dock, seeming to prefer that to grass. — H. Bartlett ; 33, Old Steine, Brighton, 

 April 19, 1862. 



Will 1862 pass over without an Entomological Intelligencer P — I read with much 

 gratification the B,ev. J. Greene's remarks (Zool. 7970) on the great want which all 

 working entomologists cannot but feel, occasioned by the demise of the late ' Intelli- 

 gencer,' and should like to know if this year is to pass without an eflfort being made 

 to fill its place. If so, I fear the brightest days of Entomology are gone, which must 

 be evident to most who remember that when the ' Intelligencer,' on the conclusion of 

 its first volume, was to be discontinued for only six months, the ardour of eniomologists 

 led to the publication of the ' Substitute' for the brief intervening period, although it 

 was well known that the former journal would reappear the following spring. If 

 such was then required during the winter, still more do we now require a '* substitute" 

 during the summer. Will not some of our leading entomologists exert themselves and 

 give their support for this purpose ? Most would be contented to have a weekly journal 

 from March to October, although more satisfied could it be had all the year round ; 

 and if it is thought that its circulation would not support it at previous prices, few 

 would object to a moderate increase of charge, rather than be deprived of so pleasant 

 a companion. I am sanguine that entomologists would unite to increase its circulation, 

 and do their best to prevent its discontinuance for want of support. Cannot the now 

 popular expedient of a guarantee fund be resorted to, or is it possible to conduct such 

 a journal on the "limited liability" pinciple, which might make many of the share- 

 holders so anxious for theiv protege's well doing that they would not fail to supply it 

 with proper sustenance, and with an experienced editor as its doctor, who would guard 

 against any of the improper ingredients referred to by the Rev. J. Greene being intro- 

 duced to affect its healthy action. — R. Anderson; Coney Street, York, May 6, 1862. 



[I think this matter is in a nutshell : if any entomologist will find the money and 

 the conlributious, another ' Intelligencer' might be started to-morrow. — Edward 

 Newman.^ 



A Review of the Genus Ptmella. 

 By the Rev. A. Matthews, M.A. 



The summer of 1861 amply realized the expectations I had formed 

 of the probable abundance of the species as well as the individuals of 

 the genus Ptinella. Assisted by Mrs. Matthews and our friend Mr. 

 Arthur Hildebrand, a zealous and successful entomologist, I, collected 

 and examined above seven hundred specimens during the months of 

 June, July and August, although the scene of our operations was con- 

 fined to the midland counties of Leicester, Nottingham and Derby. 

 The examination of this immense number has brought to light naany 

 very interesting facts relating to the specific distinctions of these curious 

 little aniujals, and has added at least one species to the list of those 



