IO JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. 
genera being common under stones and logs, whilst others are 
seldom found away from the inflorescence of the indigenous vege- 
tation. 
Under the term Curculionidee (weevils) appear a host of plant- 
feeding species, very variable in size, form, and coloration. Our 
largest one has been found on the blades and near the roots of 
spear-grass (Aciphyllum), and I have no doubt that a thorough 
search of the peculiar plants forming that genus will bring to 
light many other interesting beetles, more especially if the decay- 
ing rubbish and roots be shaken into an umbrella or over a sheet 
of brown paper. The greater number may be taken off trees, 
ferns, and flowering shrubs, though a few can only be found on 
the ground below vegetable matter; the curious genus Geophilus 
being an example of the last-mentioned peculiarity as to habit, 
and I believe all the species of 7vachyphleus occur under similar 
conditions. The insects belonging to the genus Rhyncodes are 
but seldom found except in logs, whilst the species of Cecyropa, 
according to my experience, are never found beyond the loose 
shell sand occasionally seen along our coasts, and, under such 
circumstances, are extremely difficult to detect. 
The family distinguished by the name Longicornes pass most 
part of their existence in wood, their presence being frequently 
discovered by large or small holes on its surface; and if collectors 
will go to the trouble of cutting up logs infested by them, they 
will be astonished at the wholesale destruction these beetles are 
capable of effecting within a comparatively short time, whilst the 
labour bestowed will be rewarded by specimens of the finest 
species we possess. 
The Phytophaga—great pests to our agriculturalists, particu- 
larly the genus Col/aspis—abound on many plants, and often in- 
vade orchards in vast numbers. A few peculiar and highly 
interesting forms are, however, excessively rare, and, in my 
opinion, cannot be charged with depredations on any useful 
plant. 
Having indicated the usual haunts of the order, I shall now 
proceed to afford some information as to the means usually em- 
ployed by one desirous of getting up a collection ; but, before 
doing so, it should be intimated that he ought to have higher and 
nobler aims than the mere accumulation of specimens for the 
cabinet. The study of multifarious forms and their exact adap- 
tation to peculiar modes of life, the injury insects inflict or the 
benefits they confer, tend to afford the student some insight into 
the marvellous designs of the Creator. The discovery of species, 
especially if of extraordinary structure or abnormal habit, and 
the making known in a complete manner the entomological 
fauna of such an isolated country, materially aid in the solution 
of difficult scientific problems. The healthful exercise, mental 
as well as physical, is most beneficial, and does not involve any 
considerable outlay ; whilst the result, I venture to assert, will 
far outweigh any necessary pecuniary sacrifice. 
The implements required by the Coleopterist are few and 
