326 A Preliminary Monograph of the 



In general one set of measures would be sufficient, and in such 

 variable species as Bryonomus canescens and Coniontis Msch- 

 ^choltzii, the measurement of three specimens would, if placed 

 in tabular form, give a satisfactory idea of the species with the 

 consumption of very little additional space. In fact, the pro- 

 posed method would rather tend to curtail the ideal description 

 than to augment it, for much could be given absolutely, in 

 numbers placed in tabular form, which is now expressed by 

 comparisons in lengthy and cumbersome language. 



While the world has progressed with astonishing rapidity in 

 almost every other channel, we find ourselves making use of the 

 same imperfect tools which were employed fifty years ago, more 

 or less improved as to spherical and chromatic aberration, it is 

 true, but after all the same inconvenient and inadequate hand- 

 lenses. But little satisfactory progress in the science of ento- 

 mology can be made, until this defect is remedied. We must 

 see clearly and beyond peradventure of doubt those things the 

 knowledge of which we would wish to promote by. original in- 

 vestigation. Optical and mechanical skill have progressed suffi- 

 ciently to give us the means, and we have but to adopt and 

 utilize them. 



New York, Dec. 5, 1888. 



In a preliminary revision, such as that which follows, it is un- 

 necessary to dilate upon generic characters, or to speculate upon 

 the exact position of the genus with reference to its affinities, 

 or even to name the subgeneric divisions, unless they be of un- 

 usual interest, which is not a feature of the present case. It 

 should be said, however, that I have been unable to follow all the 

 •divisions proposed by our honored predecessor. Dr. Le Conte, 

 ^ince variation in the distance of the eye from the mandibles is 

 very deceptive under inadequate magnifying powers, and does 

 not actually exist in such a way as to be of decided taxonomic 

 value. The maxillary palpi, although more slender and elongate 

 in some than in others, present intermediate forms, so that the 



<ietail of an insect is brought plainly into view, must necessarily and of 

 itself give rise to mistakes regarding specific characters, is the veriest 

 absurdity. 



