14 



collectors ; but from a scientific point of view, they are com- 

 paratively valueless. 



The compiler of a Flora or Fauna, or any section or sections 

 thereof, will do well to bear in mind that the end and aim of 

 his labour should not be simply to enumerate the species 

 occurring in any given area or district. He should endeavour 

 to impart to his work a deeper interest and a greater value, 

 by giving not only the habitat of animal and the station of 

 plant, but also information respecting the geological features 

 — especially as regards subsoils — of the locality, and dis- 

 tributions of the species over the area dealt with. Particular 

 attention should be given to variation, and all species which 

 vary, or show a tendency to vary, even though it be but 

 slightly from the type, should be noticed. For instance, 

 supposing we are compiling a list of the Lepidoptera of Surrey, 

 and we know that the Box Hill representatives of ^ species 

 differ from those occurring in other parts of the county, we 

 should certainly not omit reference to the fact, but should 

 briefly point out the characteristics of the Box Hill form. 

 The habits of local forms of species may also differ from the 

 normal habits of the types of those species, and where such 

 is known to be the case, particulars should be given. Very 

 many other details might be added ; these will suggest 

 themselves to the compiler who undertakes his task, with the 

 set purpose of producing a work which shall be of service to 

 the student as well as the collector. 



Some years ago, when the Society was solely Entomological, 

 it was resolved to collect material for the formation of the 

 insect Fauna of our district, which I suppose, would be 

 particular portions of Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. I am given 

 to understand, that certain sections of the list were elaborated 

 to something like completion, and other sections were in a 

 forward state. Estimates for printing were obtained, and all 

 preparation made for early publication, when for some reason 

 the whole thing collapsed. I don't know why, when the 

 proposed Fauna was on the very eve, as it were, of publication, 

 it should have been allowed to become a dead letter. There 

 may have been dissension in our ranks. Surely the private 

 pique of a Member or Members could not derange the 



