REVIEWS. 419 
singularly comprehensive character of many of the fossil remains 
of Carboniferous and Devonian times; and it is by the study of 
these fragments of wings that we are gradually coming to a better 
knowledge of the links uniting the families of the Neuroptera (in 
the Linnzan sense) and that the great differences in opinion be- 
tween entomologists regarding the classification and position in na- 
ture of the Orthoptera and Neuroptera are to be settled. e 
would inquire what would recent zoology be without the “ obscure 
fragments” left us of Paleozoic life? The inference forced upon 
us from their study is that the earlier forms of life were more gene- 
ralized than now, and thus, in all probability, were the primitive 
stock or ancestral forms, which have been by evolution differ- 
entiated into the forms now living. 
e would inquire also whether one is not safe, or whether it 
would not be safer in practice, to consider a fragment of a Pa- 
leozoic, or earlier Mesozoic insect’s wing as belonging to a dif- 
ferent species or genus from any now living, if the fragment does 
actually differ from corresponding portions of any living species 
with which it may be compared? 
We quote the following useful remarks on the preservation 
of these insects for study. ‘In drying, the color and form of 
Ephemeridz soon change. Color is of little importance, even in 
fresh examples ; but form is necessary to the distinguishing of the 
species. They are, therefore, best preserved in a liquid. It is 
sufficient for ordinary purposes to dip the freshly killed specimen 
into dilute spirits, and then transfer it to a tube, or homeopathic 
globule bottle, partly filled with water. Next, Price’s glycerine is 
added to the water—one or two drops a day—until the bottle 
is gradually filled. A small drop of acetic acid may be added 
finally, to prevent the growth of mould. The name of the species 
may be written on the disk of the cork, the date and locality of 
capture round its side. Hind-wings of the species of Baetis and 
Centroptilum should be mounted on slips of grass, for microscopi- 
cal examination. Pinned specimens are often difficult to deter- 
mine, in consequence of their shrinking ; to card them is to render 
them fit for nothing.” 
Why does our author always call the larva a canine ” Does 
not this term apply to the pupa alone? The remarks on the princi- 
pal points to be studied in the young and adult of these insects 
are capital. 
AMER. NATURALIST, VOL. V. Be rg 
