OCT. — DEC. 1856.] Descrij)tions of new Ceylon Cokopleva. 57 
III. Entomological Papers, being descriptions of neiv Ceylon 
Coleoptera with such observations on their habits, etc.y as 
appear in any icay interesting. By John Nietner, Colombo, 
Ceylon. 
No. I. 
[Introductory Note on the publication of uew species under disadvantages such 
as describing entomologists necessarily labo/- under in countries remote from the 
European centres of science ] 
I little doubt that the fallowing descriptions of new Coleoptera 
will meet with anything but approbation from the entomological 
world at home. As, how'ever, in spite of this anticipation of an un- 
gracious reception, I shall notice deterred from my purpose of pub- 
lishing such descriptions hereafter, I m-iy as well try to vindicate 
this measure, by setting forth the reasons which induce me to con- 
sider the difficulties which beset the path of the entomological 
author in this country, as not insurmountable. 
The objections raised against me will be these : that consider- 
ing the state in which entomological literature still is, that is to say, 
considering that it has not, generally speaking, been condensed into 
a certain limiied and obtainable number of volumes, as is the case 
in the higher branches of Zoology and Botany, that on the contrary 
the bulk of it consists of fragments which float without order in 
the misty and unfathomable ocean of scientific journals — it is next 
to impossible that an individual entomologist abroad should sur- 
round himself with this shapeless mass of learning, and keep him- 
self by this or other means so well informed of the details of the 
actual progress of the science, as not to be exposed to mistakes of 
one kind or another but more especially to the multiplication" of 
synonyms, in attempting to work independently. It will further be 
urged against me, that not having the facilities and the wholesome 
check which arise from the diligent use of extensive and well nam- 
ed collections, not even having the gratification of a brother ento- 
mologist's views and opinions on doubtful cases, it will be impossi- 
ble even to determine whether an insect be new or not; and from 
these reasons it will be inferred, that entomologists abroad should 
H 
