370 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 



of Teredo have been politicians, and not naturalists ; and, 

 although describing with accuracy and minuteness its struc- 

 ture and habits, had regarded it from a political rather than 

 a zoological point of view. It may also be observed, that it 

 is possible, indeed almost probable, that the little marine 

 wood-borer already mentioned may have caused much of 

 the damage attributed to the Teredo, for it was the piles that 

 suffered most, and especially at or about the level of high- 

 water mark. It has been supposed that Teredo, formerly 

 abundant on English coasts, had become extinct; but this is 

 evidently a mistake, for it seems certain that the destruction 

 of the bridge at Teignmouth was effected solely by its 

 operations. Teredo is a long worm-shaped and worm-coloured 

 animal, with two very manifest shells attached to one extre- 

 mity. Five species are recorded as British, and have received 

 the names of navalis, malleolus, nana, norvagica and palmu- 

 lata ; but these, supposing them to be distinct species, are 

 indifferently alluded to under the Linnean name of navalis. 

 The mode in which Teredo perforates wood has been fully, 

 and I may say exuberantly, but not conclusively, discussed. 

 Some assert that it can bore through copper, and even iron ; 

 and I was once subpoenaed as a witness to prove this 

 capability ; but, not being cognizant of the existence of this 

 power, I declined to express an opinion, and, therefore, 

 was not called. 



Argynnis Valezina at Cmiterhury. — I have taken several 

 of this beautiful variety near Canterbury, and have seen 

 several others during the past week; also some fine Adippe ; 

 both of which I have not taken here before. — G, Parry ; 

 Church Street, St. Paul's, Canierhury. 



To me this is an interesting and unexpected discovery. I 

 acknowledge I had heard of Valezina having been seen in 

 Kent, but not taken; and I know we are so subject to errors 

 of the imagination, that I have often taken leave to deduct 

 one-half from the value of occurrences not verified by capture, 

 on the principle that "a bird in the hand is worth two in the 

 bush." 



'To set Hymenoptera. — I shall be much obliged if you 

 will inform me, in the 'Entomologist,' how Hymenoptera 

 are set; whether pinned or carded; and whether the 

 wings are extended or allowed to remain along the 



