8 



stages and dimorphic forms of butterflies ; and one by the some author detailing the 

 notable discovery of secretory organs on the hind segments of the larvae of Lycaena pseudar- 

 giolus, from which is discharged a sweet fluid which induces the attendance of ants, who in 

 return for the sweets thus provided them, defend these larvae from their enemies. Our pages 

 have been enriched also by valuable papers on the Noctuidae and Pyralidse, by A. E. 

 Grote ; on gall insects and other subjects, by Dr. H. Hagen ; on Tortricidse, by C. H. 

 Fernald ; on Tineina, by V. T. Chambers, besides many others, which time will not per- 

 mit me to enumerate. During the past three months we have published in three portions 

 a translation from the German of a very valuable paper by Dr. A. Speyer, on the Genera 

 of the Hesperidse, which paper, we trust, will be the means of bringing about such a re- 

 arrangement of the species contained in this interesting family of butterflies as will be 

 acceptable to Lepidopterists, and at the same time, one likely to be permanent. It is 

 through the kindness of Prof J. A. Lintner, of Albany, that this translation has been sup- 

 plied to us. 



The practice of capturing our night-flying moths by the method of trapping, known 

 to Entomologists as " sugaring," is still persevered in by most of our more active members, 

 and with great practical results. Species which were formerly regarded as the greatest 

 rarities, have in many instances been taken in large numbers, while many new discoveries 

 have rewarded the most persistent workers in this interesting field of rescearch. As an 

 example of the results of such work we would refer to a paper published in the Canadian 

 Entomologist for November, 1877, on " Catocalse taken at sugar, at Center, New York," 

 by Dr. James M. Bailey. 



During the past year that talented and energetic Entomologist, Prof. Townend 

 Glover, of Washington, has, in consequence of ill-health, been obliged to resign his posi- 

 tion as Entomologist in the Department of Agriculture. While deeply regretting the 

 cause which necessitated the change, I am pleased to be able to record the graceful recog- 

 nition of the importance of Economic Entomology by the heads of the Department in 

 Washington, in appointing Prof C. Y. Riley to fill this high position, a man who has 

 done so much by his valuable reports as State Entomologist of Missouri to popularize 

 Entomology and to disseminate practical information in reference to our insect pests 

 throughout this continent. 



In our last Annual Report reference was made to the appearance of the first of a 

 series of practical works on Economic Entomology by that renowned Entomologist, 

 Andrew Murray, F. L. S., of South Kensington Museum, London, England. This work 

 treated of some of the lower forms of insect life and their allies, and was to have been 

 followed by seven additional volumes, all having a practical bearing on this subject, so im- 

 portant to the agriculturist. I then expressed the hope that this talented author might 

 be spared to complete the series of useful works proposed, and thus leave behind him 

 a lasting monument of his industry and devotion ; but not long after this the sad news 

 reached us that he had ceased from his labours — that he had been called away by death. 

 Thus " man proposes but God disposes." It is commendable to lay our plans for useful- 

 ness in life, and to labour as opportunity offers with diligence, knowing that our time i^ 

 short, and that the most useful life will soon —as far as this world is concerned — be at an 

 end ; but I love to think that when our work here is done, our happy lot may be to find 

 in a purer state new fields of labour, where, free from the impediments which now obstruct 

 our progress, we may study with much greater advantage the wonderful works of the 

 Infinite Creator. 



Thanking you for your kind attention, 



I remain, yours very sincerely, 



William Saunders. 



After the reading of the Address, a vote of thanks was tendered to the President,, 

 coupled with the request that a copy be given for publication in the Annual Report of 

 the Society. 



