fees 
1876.) Zoölogy. 303 
the end of each article. This has long been the practice of French 
writers. Its adoption in a work like this gives an increased value which 
we are all quite ready to appreciate. F urthermore, we must refer to the 
generally impartial historical outlines which are prefixed to the separate 
memoirs. Even a busy reader can see what has been done before, and 
what the upshot of each paper is, 
ZOOLOGY. 
Are Porato BEETLES Porsonovs ?— Although I have made no in- 
vestigations regarding the poisonous nature of the Colorado potato bug, 
and am prejudiced neither pro nor con, the experiments of Messrs. 
Grote and Keyser as stated in the April NATURALIST do not seem con- 
clusive to me. I should not consider the innoxious nature of the Dory- 
phora proven. Since heat changes many organic substances, it is not im- 
possible that the “liquid ” of their experiments may differ entirely from 
the juices of the living beetle. Their hypodermic injections would seem 
to prove the idea (if I understand their account correctly) that the beetles 
do possess some toxical properties. The heart of a frog separated from 
the body often beats for a longer period than that recorded in their ar- 
ticle. Another possible source of error lies in the animal employed in 
their investigations. All animals are not equally susceptible to the action 
of poisons. Man is more so than the lower vertebrates, and they even 
ditfer among themselves in this respect. Thus it may be that the beetles 
have qualities injurious to man, while they have no effect on frogs and 
toads. 
e above remarks I have not endeavored to prove the poisonous 
qualities of the beetles, but to express my reasons for denying the co- 
gency of the reasoning employed in the article referred to, and to turn 
the attention of other investigators to the subject. — J. S. KINGSLEY. 
Tue LABRADOR Ducx.— H. E. Dresser, Esq., the well-known orni- 
thologist, author of the Birds of Europe, is desirous of obtaining informa- 
tion respecting this bird (Camptolemus Labradorius), such as its geo- 
graphical distribution (past and present), anything tending to elucidate 
its habits, and, in particular, a list of the specimens known to be pre- 
served in United States collections. In this last matter, will the custo- 
dians of collections in which the bird is represented kindly interest them- 
‘elves? Mr. Dresser farthermore authorizes me to offer £40 ($200, 
gold), for a pair, male and female, in good order. Communications may 
be addressed to him, No. 6 Tenterden Street, Hanover Square, London, 
W., or to the undersigned. — ELLIOTT Coues, Smithsonian Institution, 
Washington, D. C, 
Tue Corton Worm. — Mr. Grote, in the last Alabama Geological 
Report, states his belief that the cotton worm is an imported insect and 
not indigenous to the Southern States. In Alabama it does not appear 
on the plants before June or July. 
