1922 ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 



THE ENTOMOLOGICAL RECORD, 1921. 



NOEMAN" CRIDDLE, OTTAWA. 



The Entomological Record was begun in the year 1901 by Dr. James Fletcher, 

 then Dominion Entomologist. It was originated, primarily, with the idea of 

 encouraging Canadian collectors and of bringing them in closer contact with 

 each other's work. It included in its scope the recording of rare species, a list of 

 persons actually engaged in insect studies, a review of entomological books issued 

 during the year, and such other matter as was considered of special value to 

 Canadians. 



The original scheme has been maintained in all the succeeding issues with 

 such modifications as seemed desirable or became necessary, and we believe the pub- 

 lication has fully served the purpose its originator had in view. Many things have 

 taken place during the twenty years the Record has been in existence. Its founder, 

 that "Prince of Good Fellows", has gone, and with him many of the handicaps 

 which he and other entomologists then laboured under. Entomology has advanced 

 by leaps and bounds since then, and it has largely become a professional rather 

 than an amateur pursuit. In other words, the labour of love has to some extent 

 become a labour for dollars and cents. Nevertheless, I believe the old spirit is still 

 with us ; but are our needs the same ? 



Active societies are now publishing their own lists of species ; collectors in 

 some instances are doing likewise ; publications once few in number and difficult to 

 procure, are now scattered broadcast over the land; hundreds of species have been 

 described that were unknown in 1901, and untold numbers more have been identified 

 for collectors. 



Noting all these changes the question arises as to whether the Record has ful- 

 filled its place and in the course of entomological evolution has ceased to be of 

 practical value to its readers. We leave this question in their hands. 



The preparation of the Entomological Record is a task of considerable labour, 

 and it occupies time that might be profitably employed in other ways. Collectors 

 could assist considerably in reducing this labour by putting records in as good 

 order as possible. In many instances there are local lists available. In such cases 

 it is as easy for the collector to sort out his new records from those already pub- 

 lished as it is for the compiler. Secondly, many of the cbeck lists are numbered and 

 in these cases adding the number to the species is desirable. Thirdly, lists of cap- 

 tures should be arranged as nearly as possible in tbe order of check lists. In ad- 

 dition localities should be supplied and authority given for the determination of 

 species. By following these outlines the collector would save the compiler much 

 time and labour and unless some aid is supplied the Record must cease for lack 

 of time to prepare it. 



We are again under deep obligation to our many friends in the United States 

 and Great Britain for assistance in the determination of specimens. There is hardly 

 a specialist that has not helped us in some way and we extend to all hearty 

 appreciation. 



The 1920 Record has been delayed beyond all expectation by the printers' strike 

 and sirce at the time of writing it is still in the hands of the printers, we fear that 

 this paper will also be retarded. 



