1888. | BOTANICAL GAZETTE. 39 
develop a permanent interest in the small plain instrument the biologist 
is asking for isa financial one. That there is an inclination to meet the’ 
rising demand is evident from the circular of inquiry sent out by Queen 
& Co. last year, from the construction of the “ Harvard ” stand by Bausch 
& Lomb Optical Co., which embraces some features of the foreign models, 
from the similar stand just put in the market by Bulloch, and from the 
tone of the replies already made to Dr. Minot’s article. The old prejudice 
against American instru ments, because American, has nearly passed 
be. d 
most easily meet his needs. e other hand, if the instrument-maker 
will lay aside his prejudices sai a plain instrument of superior work- 
manship, there will not long be grounds for accusation and controversy. 
OPEN LETTERS. 
Mutilation of flowers by insects. 
cases in which insects. ence flowers for the purpose of securing 
lowing notes ieks may be of some appoinase T found gmat , Foti hee of the 
I found eck this work was Bombus Pennsylvanicus.. For nearly two 
months, during me 7 pa. I had under Saprelagpotret a large 
vines of two s of honeysuckle. In the first, the com wood- 
the nanatin ¢ is in deokly cleft, with the ApS well turned ri sk. This 
_ plant is deliciously fragrant, and, to my surprise, the only insects which 
Visited it icne to the seis | Halictus, appareils all the same species, 
All entere the open mouth of the corolla. The flowers are pro 
androus. en the second, the trumpet or igen ral honey-suckle, te mouth of 
the cohen is pitKtl and the short divisions not reflected. s also pro- 
terandrous. This S species was abu cane visited by the lea-catter or 
upholster hie (Megachile brevis), and one or dime : ies O us.' 
7 leaf-cutter bee never enters the utnish ie the corolla, but goes directly 
o the ears er around piece, usually rit - one-eighth inch in 
s 
= eat this it extracts the sweets. It is sometimes necessary 
* the ma iece cut out is al 
ya * “ite hinge at one side. Through this circular opening the Halic- 
ue. en niers and makes a more thorough search for the remaining hor honey. 
hese small insects are commonly khown as “‘sweat bees,” from their habit it of 
sag on one’s person while sweating : freely and suncing up the ecwigeiiare . Mr.c, 
of the "ll, State Laboratory, kindly identified the insects for m 
