as it varies exceedingly in size and colour as well as in the 

 strength of its sculpture^ it is probable that Olivier's and Panzer's 

 figures are of our insect^ although Gyllenhal is disposed to hold 

 a contrary opinion. 



Dr. Leach divided the Sternoxi of Latreille into two families, 

 and has referred Melasis to the latter, from its wanting the spring 

 beneath, which distinguishes the Elateridce ; its very cylindric 

 form also, (so very much approaching the group containing 

 Buprestis viridis L.) separates it at once from the Elaters ; at 

 the same time it cannot be denied that the space between the 

 elytra and thorax, and the thick terminal joint of the palpi do 

 not well agree with the Buprestida. 



The specific name which our insect bears in both the works of 

 Iiinnseus has been restored, as well from respect as in justice to 

 that great man ; and it is to be regretted that the praise due to 

 Fabricius for having estabHshed the genus, should have been 

 diminished by the unnecessary confusion he has created, in chang- 

 ing the Linnsean specific name, and afterwards describing another 

 insect under the name of Mater hupredoides. 



In the year 1811 I found a perfect specimen dead in the 

 decayed arm of a tree, in a wood "in the neighbourhood of Hales- 

 worth, Suffolk. Dr. Herschel, however, is said to have first 

 observed it at Windsor ; it has since been taken in some abun- 

 dance in a decayed tree in the New Porest, by Mr. Samouelle 

 and Mr. Chant : the males are frequently smaller than the females, 

 — one of the former sex is figured. It is common in Sweden and 

 Germany, but rare about Paris and in Britain. Latreille says it 

 walks badly, and if it fly, it cannot apply the vigour and activity 

 which so strongly mark the family to which it belongs. 



It inhabits dead decaying trees, which it perforates like the 

 Anohia ; it has been detected in the beech, sallow, alder, and 

 birch. 



The plant figured is Limim perenne (Perennial Plax), com- 

 municated by Professor Hen slow. 



