[131] COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS RILEY. 



entirely harmless. A number of common species belong to the genus 

 Geophilus and occur under stones and logs. The genus Scolopendra 

 includes some of the larger species of the order. The largest known 

 species, 8. gigantea, occurs in the East Indies and attains a length of 

 from 9 inches to more than a foot. Several species found within the 

 limits of the United States attain a length of 5 inches or more. The 

 family Cermatiidae includes the very common species Cermatia for- 

 ceps, which, while abundant in the South and West, occurs somewhat 

 more rarely in the Korth. It is commonly found in moist situations, in 

 houses or conservatories, and on account of its long legs and agile 

 movements frequently creates considerable consternation. It is, how- 

 ever, an entirely harmless and very beneficial species, since it feeds on 

 various household pests, including flies, roaches, etc. 



TEXT BOOKS— ENTOMOLOGICAL WORKS. 



Bulletin I^^o. 19 of the Division of Entomology, U. S. Department of 

 Agriculture, contains an enumeration of the iDubhshed synoposes, cata- 

 logues, and lists of ]S!^orth American insects, together with other infor- 

 mation intended to assist the student of American entomology. This 

 can be had upon application, and I would refer the student to it for 

 specific information as to synopses, catalogues, and lists. I have deemed 

 it advisable, however, to include here an enumeration of the more useful 

 works of a general character; a list of the entomological periodicals, 

 both home and foreign ; and the entomological works published by the 

 different departments of the Government, with some information as to 

 how and of whom they can be obtained. Many of these publications 

 are no longer to be had except as they may be picked up through book- 

 dealers ; but the titles even of those which are out of print will be useftil 

 to the student as a guide to what he should find in every good library. 

 Requests for this kind of information are constantly received at the 

 Department of Agriculture and at the ISTational Museum. The most 

 useful general works are given first, and, while a great many others in 

 foreign languages might be cited, 1 would strongly advise the beginner 

 in America to confine himself to these, and especially to read Harris's 

 Insects Injurious to Vegetation, Kirby & Spence's Introduction, and 

 Westwood's Introduction. This last, though published over half a 

 century ago, is still one of the most useful entomological works in the 

 English language. While these Introductions will be of great service 

 in arranging and classifying material and in giving a knowledge of the 

 relationshiiDs of species, there is no better text- book than the great book 

 of nature, which is always ready to unfold its truths to every earnest 

 inquirer. In field and wood alone can he become familiar with the 

 insects in all their wondrous life habits, instincts, and intelligence. 

 There alone will he receive the fullest inspiration and pleasure in his 

 work or find the highest reward for his efibrts. 



