ae 
[January 1885. BULLETIN BROOKLYN FNTOM. SOC. VOL. VIL. 125 
by Prof. Riley and on the contrary Mr. Gade is positive that many of 
the logs frequented by the RAyssa are not infested by Zremex or other 
woodboring larva; further Zremex is‘rare, and Rhyssa very common. 
The chief object of the paper read by him was to call attention to the 
structure of the ovipositor; the reference to habit was made as an in- 
ference from observations purely of a negative nature and was given 
prominence by the agreement of the experiences of the members present. 
Positive evidence such as that furnished by Prof. Riley of course overba- 
lances all negi/ive observations. Still it would seem that a vast lot of un- 
necessary boring is done by Réyssa, that the great majority ofall eggs 
laid must perish, and that nature has dealt hardly with it in the way of 
instinct which in some other species in the same order is so wonderfully 
developed. Further observation will be made next season. iabaS: 
* * 
x 
Mr. Chas. Fuchs writes from San Francisco: ‘I am pleased as a 
child at the beginning of the collecting season here. ‘The locality is said 
to be excellent. In San Matteo, Co., Roswlix funebris is found, as well 
as other pretty species. In Marin Co., one hours ride from here, I found 
a magnificient specimen of 4217 9; a beauty, two inches in length. 
Amphicoma Lalso found. I shall especially devote myself to collecting 
Comontis which are common on the hills near the City. 1 am observing 
the larva of Platyerus oregonensis and hope to have some interesting 
notes for you in the course of the next few months.” 
It is a comfort to receive such a letter, even though it excite a mild 
sort of envy at our inability to take part in similar excursions and cap= 
tures. 
Mr. Ricksecker also writes from California. “Though it is Decem- 
ber with us as well as with you, yet the more common sorts of butterflies 
are abundant, and we have had no frosts to amount to anything.” 
Mr. Henshaw sends good news for Coleopterists. He is preparing . 
for the printer a new check list of N. A. Coleoptera and hopes soon to 
have it ready. Mr. Henshaw has been long at work upon a catalogue 
which is also fast nearing completion. Both works are sadly needed and 
Mr. Henshaw will earn the everlasting gratitude of Coleopterists if he 
will but let them have the books soon. 
From Texas we received a considerable number of.a large Lycus 
which Dr. Horn says is L. Fernandezi described from Mexico. The in- 
sect is an exaggeration of crwenfus, and forms a notable addition to our 
fauna. 
