100 THE ENTOMOLOGIST'S RECORD. 



has taken pains to give, wherever possible, a reference to the most 

 easily accessible illustration of the species. Again, the actual number 

 of specimens taken of each species is stated, so that we have an idea of 

 the frequency of the form during the period of its collecting. 



We regret that the author does not distinguish between an 

 individual aberration and a sub-species when writing the name of a 

 form. Some distinction ought to be made. If instead of writing 

 Acraea pentapolis thelestis, one wrote Acraea pentapolis f . thelestis or ab. 

 thelestis, it would be understood that an aberration and not a sub- 

 species was meant. 



Dr. Holland has erected the genus Kallimula for the Rallima-like 

 forms hitherto placed in the genus Precis. The genus is founded on 

 the shape of the wings and general pattern. It occurs to us that since 

 seasonal dimorphism is a feature of this group, with consequent varia- 

 tion in the shape of the wings, dry season forms, especially females, 

 acquiring a more falcate forewing, the founding of a genus on these 

 characters is open to question. A study of the early stages and of the 

 genital armature is really necessary in a case of this kind. 



The second genus is founded by Dr. Holland on Neptis eccaleuca, 

 Karsch, which he places in Neptidomima on account of the structure of 

 the palpi. We have no comment to make here. Dr. Eltringham is 

 engaged on a study of the African Neptis, and the comparative 

 anatomy of the genital armature will indicate whether the genus 

 erected for exaleuca can stand. 



We must call attention to the figure of Cyniotho'e herminia, 

 Grosesmith, on plate viii. f. 1. This does not represent the type form 

 which is much more like fig. 2 representing poensis, Holland. To our 

 mind it is doubtful whether figure 8, on the same plate is really the 5 

 of langi, Holland. There is as much reason to regard it as the 5 of 

 stavdiwgeri, Auriv. We are equally doubtful whether the form 

 represented on plate 1, f. 9, is the $ of Cymothoe angulifascia, Auriv. 

 It is figured by Hewitson as altisidora, and we think it is the $ of 

 adelina, Hew. We do not know why Dr. Holland considers figs. 1 

 and 2 on plate x. to be sexes of the same species, whilst fig. 8 is 

 represented as the 5 of a very different species, and regret that no 

 reason is given in the text. He has been at some pains to elucidate 

 the perplexities of this difficult genus, but we must confess that it is 

 more perplexing than ever. 



On page 247 the author gives the name fumosus to the dark form 

 of Papilio ridleyaiuts. This name must unfortunately sink to the 

 earlier one of fumatus given by Niepelt in Lep. Niepeltiana , vol. ii., p. 

 23, pi. xxiii., fig. 4 (1916). 



Some difference of opinion will always exist in dealing with the 

 status of obscure and difficult forms, so that if the author's treatment 

 of these forms invites discussion an impetus will be given to their 

 study, and the value of Dr. Holland's work cannot be said to be im- 

 paired thereby. 



We commend this volume to all students of African Lepidoptera, as 

 it adds much to our knowledge both of forms and of their distribution. 

 —George Talbot (P.E.S.), The Hill Museum, Witley. February 28tJu 



We regret to hear that Dr. Longstaff passed away on Saturday 

 evening, May 7th. — J.H.D. 



