4114 Natural- History Collectors. 



many small Buprestidae too, many very pretty yellowish Lebiae and 

 Dromii ; the species of these have a very similar facies, but are very 

 distinct, especially in the form of the thorax. There are some pretty 

 longicorns, Ibidoin, Necydalis, Chrysoprasis &c. The butterflies 

 are few, only two" or three species of Erycinidse and Theclse, very 

 remarkable. The series of handsome Pepsis, even if not new, will 

 perhaps please Messrs. F. Smith and Baly, as I have been careful to 

 select very fine and perfect specimens. In the other box, one side 

 has a number of duplicate specimens for myself, which I shall some 

 day find useful for dissection &c. The fine Chlaenius appears to be 

 almost spoiled from the oil which exudes from the body. 



" I am really sorry for Mr. Wallace's loss. Had it been my case, I 

 think I should have gone desperate, because, so far as regards the 

 unique specimens, the journal &c, such a loss is irreparable. If he 

 should visit the Andes, there is plenty of work to do. I have chalked 

 out a route which I should like to undertake myself, but it must be 

 after a visit to England. It is, to land at Guayaquil, cross the Cor- 

 dillera to the settlements on the Napo, thence descending slowly this 

 river, to make a stay at Nauta on the Upper Amazons: this is a route 

 followed by many Spanish traders. At Nauta may be had repose, 

 wholesome living, and good collecting : a European family resides 

 there, one Mr. Cauper, who speaks English. What hosts of new 

 Cybdeles, Catagrammas &c. one might expect! Thence it would not 

 be difficult to go up the Huallaya, cross to Moyobamba, Chachapoya, 

 to Truxillo : the great disadvantage is, that I do not see how one 

 could forward the partial collections to England. At Nauta, if the 

 Brazilian Government fulfils its promise, there will arrive a steamer 

 from Para once or twice a year ; if so, it would be easy to remit to 

 England. I intend to stay here working at the small species, until I 

 see whether the steamer will be forthcoming for the Upper Amazons. 

 The Barra steamer is fairly going, having made two voyages, but it is 

 supported almost entirely by the bonus from government, as the whole 

 freights &c. only reach one-sixth of its monthly expenses ! As to get- 

 ting from this place to Ega in one's own canoe or as a passenger, it 

 is an utter impossibility. 



"The Tapajos collection, T hope, has reached you safely ere this ; I 

 sent it November 25th. The collection of Diumes therein was fine. 

 I see by Mr. Hewitson's plate of Pieris, that there were three new spe- 

 cies in the collections of this genus alone. If the Peru steamer comes 

 it will be most likely in May and June, just the time to arrive in Ega 

 for the rarer Cybdeles, Timetes, Eubages, Prioni, &c. As my health 



