20 The \fy est American Scientist. * 



tured the diminutive Charis Australis and Lycaena Exilis, which 

 are also found in Texas. 



At various points, Lycaena Amyritula, Acmon, and some un- 

 determined species were found, but the rocky sides of Point 

 Loma furnished my greatest prize — Lycaena Sonarensis- (L. 

 Regia). The light azure wings of this species, spotted with 

 black, orange and crimson, are very beautiful. 



With the advancing season came Colias Eurytheme, Junonia 

 Ccenia, both of which are common east. Ccenonympha Brenda, 

 Pyrgus Ericetorum, Pholisora Catullus and one or two species 

 of Nisoniades; but these, with the exception of C. Brenda, were 

 comparatively rare. 



Toward the latter part of February, Meganostoma Eurydice 

 and Papilio Zolicaan began to appear on the sides of the can- 

 yons; and, as they were long, strong fliers, many a hard chase 

 did they give- me. When I left San Diego, species not pre- 

 viously found by me were coming out; but time pressed, and 

 at San Bernardino the lepidopteral fauna was largely different 

 from that found at San Diego. San Diego proved a splendid 

 winter collecting-ground, and a pleasant place to live; and I 

 hope to revisit it. P. C. Truman. 



AMOREUXIA. 



The following stray manuscript note was recently discovered 

 by the editor between the pages of a book on botany, obtained 

 at second hands: 



Amoreuxia Schiedeana, Planch., Hemaguis of the Papagos, 

 Sarza of the Pimos, furnishes to these Indians an edible root or 

 tuber. They eat it roasted or baked in hot ashes. It is quite 

 palatable with a slight bitterish bytaste. 



A. Schott. 



GEOLOGY, MINERALOGY AND PALAEON- 

 TOLOGY. 



Gems and Precious Stones of North America. — George 

 Frederick Kunz, the well-known gem expert, is the author of 

 this, one of the most artistic, interesting, and useful of books ever 

 issued in this country. It is from the press of the Scientific 

 Publishing Co., 27 Park Place, N. Y., and consists of 336 pages, 

 large octavo, illustrated with eight colored plates and numerous 

 engravings. Price, $10.00. (See advertisement.) 



The work embodies a popular description of the occurrence, 

 value and history of American gems, with mention of the collec- 

 tions in which they exist; also a chapter on pearls and on re- 

 markable foreign gems owned in the United States. 



The author, as expert for Tiffany & Co., and as special agent 



