60 



any other account, excepting that of inaccuracy. 

 It is to he regretted that the names of Megerle 

 and Dahl were adopted by our English Naturalist. 

 The generic details were first published by Mr. 

 Stephens in July, 1828, by De Jean in 1831, in 

 the first part of his fifth volume of the Species 

 general des Coleopteres, where the Megerlean 

 types are given. From enquiry it appears doubt- 

 ful if Megerle ever published any Entomological 

 brochure. In concluding these observations, a 

 passing remark is added, which has attracted the 

 attention of many individuals. "It is singular that 

 scarcely a reference is ever made by De Jean and 

 other Entomologists to the two first works ever 

 published in this country on our Insectal Fauna, 

 those of Messrs. Stephens and Curtis." The works 

 are costly and valuable publications, and such works 

 ever will be, when illustrated by excellent figures ; 

 the great cost of them, however, cannot be pleaded 

 as an excuse by the princely De Jean, or by other 

 French writers, as a reason for not quoting them. 

 It is a notorious fact, that the libraries of Natural 

 History in France are far superior to those of 

 England, why then, it must be asked, are our 

 ablest authors passed by and neglected ? 



