174 Catalogue of the Geodephagous Coleoptera. 



our Brachial, and in determining which forms are really distinct, 

 and which arc varieties, I shall remain content with having pointed 

 out, in an exceedingly imperfect manner, those which appeared to 

 me to be at least as deserving of distinct names, as those described 

 by preceding authors. It is possible that farther observation may 

 tend to diminish this overgrown genus, by showing that the species 

 are subject to certain variations in form, such as is pointed out 

 under the genus Galcrita. The relation between the latter and 

 Brachinus appears not to be sufficiently insisted on by authors ; 

 and I imagine that the similarity of appearance produced by form 

 and color will be found connected with a very near agreement of 

 structure. In the cabinet of Dr. Zimmermann, of South Carolina, 

 there is a species of Galerita which possessed the power of excret- 

 ing a highly volatile and acrid fluid in the same manner as a Bra- 

 chinus. 



It has been a natural consequence of the exceedingly discursive 

 manner in which our native species have been published, that 

 many, which were described years ago, have lately made their ap- 

 pearance under new names. The following catalogue is intended 

 to remedy in part this difficulty, although, from the limited num- 

 ber of works which have been accessible to the author, it is not, 

 perhaps, as complete as it might have been. Still, however, in the 

 synonymy contained in it, there are points of interest, and to render 

 it eventually a complete synopsis of the Adephaga of our republic, 

 the author would invite the co-operation of other entomologists, 

 who no doubt have it in their power greatly to extend and improve 

 the present attempt. Thus far, all the species mentioned are in 

 the possession of the author, who will gladly avail himself of any 

 opportunity of referring to, or describing any species which has 

 not as yet fallen uncW his notice. 



The writer, feeling that the distinguished liberality manifested 

 towards him by Messrs. Melsiieimf.r, D. ZlEGLER, and S. S. Hal- 

 deman, calls for something more than a verbal acknowledgement, 

 takes the present opportunity of returning thanks for the prompti- 

 tude with which they have in every instance sacrificed even unique 

 specimens, which were wanting to complete his cabinet. 



