problem, of obtaining practical remedies for injurious insects — now whilst these 

 men are all working independently, as a matter of course there must be a great 

 duplication of work, and useless experimentation. The idea was promulgated 

 that if an association were formed, by which economic entomologists would have 

 &n opportunity of meeting and discussing matters of mutual interest, that good 

 results must follow. In the January number of " Insect Life," an editorial note 

 appeared, asking for the opinion of entomologists upon this matter. Having thought 

 the matter over carefully, I considered it of such importance that I made it the 

 .chief subject of my presidential address before the entomological club of the 

 American Association,, and begged the members to discuss whether the time were 

 not ripe for the formation of a permanent organization. As a result of this appeal, 

 the club resolved itself into a special committee and drew up and adopted a con- 

 stitution and elected officers for the current year, as follows : President, Prof. 

 Riley ; Vice-President, Prof. Forbes ; and as Secretary, Prof. J. B. Smith. This 

 .association is for all who make a specialty of economic entomology, and as consti- 

 tuted at present, consists of all who hold official positions as entomologists to 

 governments, states or associations, or workers in practical entomology who may 

 have applied for membership and been elected. 



Several important publications on entomology have appeared during the past 

 year. Mr. Scudder's magnificent work on the butterflies of the Northern United 

 States and Canada is almost completed. The regularity with which the parts 

 have been delivered to the subscribers upon the day of issue, has been a pleasing 

 feature. The care shown in the preparation of the systematic work, and the large 

 ■amount of new material given to the scientific world, makes this publication an 

 important landmark in the study of diurnal lepidoptera. With regard to many 

 of the points upon which Mr. Scudder was known to differ from the majority of 

 entomologists, it must be acknowledged that his views have been put forth in an 

 honest, straightforward manner, which has found him many adherents. No 

 -question of importance has been shirked or slurred over, but all are treated of 

 fully and fairly, and we have no doubt that when the work is completed, Mr. 

 Scudder will be ready to discuss with all who may wish to do so, any subjects, 

 the clearing up of which will be of use to science. One of the valuable features 

 -of this work is the appendix, consisting of an article upon the parasites of butter- 

 flies, The hymenoptera are by Mr. L. O. Howard, Assistant United States Ento- 

 mologist, and the diptera by Dr. Williston. It is not necessary to more than 

 mention the names of these gentlemen to assure the quality of this part of the 

 work. 



Mr. W. H. Edwards continues to publish his superb " Butterflies of North 

 America," and each succeeding part exceeds in value and excellence of the plates 

 •those which have preceded it. During the past year Mr. Edwards has continued 

 his studies in breeding butterflies from the egg, with the most remarkable success 

 We trust that he may long be spared to carry on his valuable investigations, and 

 give them to the world through the pages of the " Butterflies of North America." 

 it may not be amiss, however, to remind entomologists that this is an extremely 

 .costly work to issue, and that the author has had to dispose of his large collections 

 and a number of his books to enable him to continue the publication. I cannot 

 help thinking that it is the duty of every entomologist who can afford to do so, 

 to help this work to the extent of subscribing for it, 



I have said that Mr. Edwards's success this year inbreeding butterflies has 

 been remarkable. This success has been largely contributed to by a gentleman 

 in Canada, Mr. T. E. Bean, who has been living for some time at Laggan (Aha) 

 in the Rocky Mountains. He is a most energetic collector and successiul breeder 



