THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 403 



of time, and indicate how much there is yet to be learned by 

 the investigation of figs. Perhaps some forms may be dis- 

 covered that are more elementary than the species here 

 figured, and are more characteristic of 'the dark backward 

 and abyss of time.' There will be much difference of opinion 

 as to whether the chain of affinities in the Agaonidse is 

 merely a proof of the unity of system, or whether individuals 

 in some cases continue comparatively undeveloped, and in 

 other cases become comparatively highly organized, like as 

 the same parts of plants are formed into thorns or into leaves 

 or into flowers." It seems almost irripossible to overrate the 

 interest which attaches to this subject of fig-dwellers. The 

 circumstance that these creatures are without the means of 

 vision or locomotion does not, indeed, appear extraordinary, 

 seeing they are condemned to perpetual darkness and per- 

 petual imprisonment. Of what use would eyes or wings be to 

 them ? Then, again, of what sex are they ? Is there any 

 relationship, I mean consanguinity, between the prisoners and 

 the winged atoms flying from fig to fig ? And these are 

 females, invariably females, with long ovipositors that could 

 communicate with' the imprisoned. We have winged males 

 and apterous females in Lepidoptera. Can we have winged 

 females and apterous males in Hymenoptera ? 



Black-varnished Pins. — For many months I have been 

 endeavouring to discover a manufacturer of black-varnished 

 entomological pins. These pins should be substituted for the 

 silvered-brass pins, which corrode in the body of insects, 

 more particularly of Micro-Lepidoptera, very soon disfigure 

 them, and eventually utterly destroy them. I am told the 

 article required is made at Vienna, and, if so, I beg some 

 brother entomologist will give me the address of the maker. 

 — Peyerim h off. 



Our colleague is obviously right in saying that brass pins 

 are very bad to use for Micro-Lepidoptera. Varnished brass 

 pins will probably last somewhat longer, but it is probable 

 that these also will eventually perish in the same way. We 

 believe that platinuui wire is perfectly indestructible, and 

 open to none of the objections which are made to brass. 

 Certainly nothing but platinum will, therefore, be used for 

 very rare specimens. — Editor ; P. N. E. 



Educational Collection of Insects. — M. DeyroUe is making 



