i-^w.j 323 



MEYRICK'S PYRALIDINA OF EUROPE. 

 BY PROFESSOR C. H. FERNALD, F.E.S. 



Mr. Meyrick's revision of the PyrnJidina of Europe, in Part III 

 of the Transactions of the Entomological Society of London for 1890 

 is one of the most important papers on Systematic Entomology that 

 has appeared for a long time. Some may think that he has been very 

 radical, or even rash, in sweeping away so many of the old landmarks. 

 He has sui-ely done it with a boldness worthy of an Englishman, but 

 I believe he is right in the main, if not in every particular. The only 

 mystery to me is, that this was not done years ago by some one in 

 England or on the continent. 



Such w'ork as this is of far greater value to foreign students than 

 the describing of new exotic species. I wish to say in this connection 

 that it is my firm conviction that the work of Francis Walker on 

 North American insects was a positive hindrance to the advancement 

 of entomological science in this country, and a disadvantage to this 

 present workers in the British Museum, for it has caused us to look 

 with suspicion on all work emanating from that source. 



It is not my purpose to criticize or review this masterly paper of 

 Mr. Meyrick's, but to call the attention of English and continental 

 working entomologists to it, and express the hope that it may receive 

 a full and just examination, so that if errors occur in it they may be 

 indicated ; and no one will be more grateful for the detection of actual 

 errors, if pointed out in a kindly manner, than Mr. Meyrick himself. 



Some may object to the use he has made of certain generic names, 

 but I wish to say here that I went over the history of these names 

 some time ago, and am prepared to say that in my opinion he is right. 

 It will seem strange, however, not to see the generic name Botys in 

 our lists of the Pyralids hereafter, but Mr. Meyrick has shown that 

 if it be used correctly, it must be among the Geometridw. 



There may be honest differences of opinion on certain questions 

 of relationship and development, and we shall all be very glad to hear 

 them, so long as they do not run into controversy, but when they 

 reach that stage, the editorial foot should be put down. No one 

 enjoys these things except those who have a hand in them. 



Mr. Meyrick's paper will undoubtedly meet a hearty reception 

 wherever foreign students are working up their Pyralidina. 



Amherst, Mass., U. S. A. : 



October 19^/j, 1890. 



