öö Sitzung vom 7. August 1867. 



have been aptly called, so exceedingly varied and beautiful— sonie rouiid 

 as an apple, tinted like it, red and yellow; others like unripe currants; 

 some resembling a honeycomb; sonie again miniature artichokes; soine 

 velvet cushions; some coral beads; and others, tufts of moss—it is matter 

 of surprise I say that these should have attracted apparently so little 

 attention. They are, however, now claiming a greater share of notice. 

 Several Continental observers have published particulars relating to 

 them, and have given drawings or descriptions of many kinds, and the 

 insects producing them. 



A good deal has also been doue during the last few years towards 

 elucidating the American Galls. Baron R. Osten-Sacken, the Russian 

 Legation in Washington, has been a chief originator of some researches 

 into them, followed up by Mr. Walsh, of Illinois, who has contributed 

 valuable Information respecting them to the Entomological Society of 

 Philadelphia, published in their Proceedings. 



Having myself been an observer of Galls and similar excrescences 

 for 20 years or more, and having collected most of the British species, 

 and some American ones, during a visit to that country, I am preparing 

 a volume to contain the result of these observations. This vvork will 

 include drawings and descriptions, with some attempt at Classification. 

 Coloured drawings of many will be given, and a description of every 

 known Galt as far as my own Observation extends, including those 

 described by others, not omitting some similar excrescences known as 

 Pseudo or Semi-Galls, whose production may be variously accounted for. 



Eminent Artists have been engaged to make drawings from spe- 

 cimens for the volume now proposed, who have already produced some 

 beautiful and faithful deliueations. 



Being desirous of making the work as complete as possible, I shall 

 esteem it a favour if any naturalist who may have observed or may 

 possess any Galls, wherever found, not hitherto known or described, 

 would communicate with rae, and furnish any specimens, drawings, or 

 particulars respecting them. 



With the exception of those used in commerce, I have obtained 

 very few Galls from Asia or Africa, and we know literally nothing of 

 those produced in the West Indies, South America, or Australia— from 

 the three lastnamed portions of the world I have not, as yet, received 

 a Single specimen. 



Virginia House, Leeds, Wilson Armistead. 



11 th Month, 12M, 1866. 



For the convenieuce of reference, I have placed my Gall collection 

 in the Museum of the Leeds Literary and Philosophical Society, where 

 it may be seen at any tinie, in the large room. 



