110 ; Recent Literature. [ February, 
facts on the origin of the markings of caterpillars. The author describes 
the nature and morphology of the markings of larvæ of the family 
Sphingidæ, their biological value and tribal development, concluding 
that the oldest Sphingid caterpillars were without markings ; that the 
oldest style of markings were longitudinal lines, the later ones oblique 
streaks, and the last to be developed, the spots. This part of the 
subject is illustrated by five colored plates. In the third section the 
transformation of the Mexican axolotl into an Amblystoma is discussed 
at considerable length, and with characteristic thoroughness. Professor 
Weismann believes that the Siredon or axolotl was originally derived 
from a land salamander (Amblystoma), but has reverted to an axolotl, 
or larval form, through the change of the climate of Mexico from a damp 
to an exceedingly dry one, obliging these animals, which as larve, lived 
in ponds, and as adults lived under fallen trees and stones or in damp 
places, to revert to the original larval Siredon form and remain perma- 
nently amphibious. In the fourth division, on the mechanical conception 
of nature, the author maintains that development is mechanical, and that 
we must reject the idea of a special life-force. Still he as strongly be- 
lieves in teleology, and maintains the thesis that evolutional views do 
not tend to materialism. 
GLOVER’S ILLUSTRATIONS or Insects.! — This isa large quarto vol- 
ume, containing ten excellent copper-plates illustrating the leading types 
of plant-bugs (Hemiptera not including the Homoptera), with 132 pages 
of text, a fac-simile of the author’s own handwriting, printed on pre- 
pared lithographic paper. The letterpress contains useful lists of preda- 
ceous or parasitic bugs (Heteroptera), of the vegetable or animal sub- 
stances destroyed by them, and of remedies against their attacks used or 
suggested by various writers. The value of the work is greatly in- 
creased by the aid of Mr. P. R. Uhler, “who has materially assisted in 
preparing the work by furnishing the specimens from which to figure, for 
advice and correcting the text, for the classification and valuable notes.” 
The edition consists of but fifty or sixty copies for private distribution, 
and is a storehouse of useful information for agriculturists, which we 
wish could be more widely published. 
Lovén’s Srupres on THE Ecurnorps.?— This elaborate memoir 
presents matter of special interest to the palaontologist as well as to the 
zoölogist and anatomist. Chiefly zodlogical in its character, the text 
and plates are mostly devoted to a discussion of the homologies of the 
shell of the sea-urchins, particularly those forms related to extinct gen- 
era of echinoids. Comparisons are also instituted with the classes of 
‘anuscript Notes from my Journal, or Illustrations of Insects, Native and Foreign. 
Order Hemiptera, Suborder Heteroptera, or Plant-Bugs. By Townsend GLOVER. 
Washington, D.C. 1876. 4to, pp. 132. 
2 Etudes sur les Echinotdés. Par S. Loves. (Kongl Svenska Vetenskaps-Acade- 
miens Handlingar. Bandet II., No. 7.) Text and Atlas of 53 Plates. Stockholm. 
1875. 4to, pp. 91. 
