894-1 



THE BRITISH NATURALIST. 



129 



learned Frenchman was probably unaware that it was figured and 

 described as long ago as 1817, by Dr. Leach, in his "Zoological Mis- 

 cellany," vol. 3, under the name of Geophilus maritimus. — C. W. Dale, 

 Glanville Wootton, Sherborne, April 21st, 1894. 



LEPIDOPTERA. 



Melanic Form of P. pilosaria. — During the month of March I 

 have taken three specimens of the black variety of P. pilosaria. It is, 

 therefore, very clear the black race is increasing steadily in num- 

 bers in this district. I have taken about thirty in all, so that the 

 proportion is now one in ten. — W. Brooks, Rotherham. 



Diurnal Lepidoptera during March, 1894. — During the month 

 of March 1 noticed five species of diurnal Lepidoptera on the 

 wing, viz., G. Rhamni, Pieris rapes, P. napi, Vanessa urticcB, and 

 V. comma. — W. Gardner, F.R.G.S., Liverpool. 



REVIEW. 



"Secondary Sexual Characters in Lepidoptera," by J. W. Tutt.* — There can 

 be no manner of doubt that the great body of British entomologists of later years 

 have developed a tendency to deeper things than the mere collecting of thousands of 

 insects in their cabinet drawers, without knowing the life-history, structure, and 

 habits of these insects. The student of to-day is entirely different, and does not take 

 for granted all the traditional literature of bygone generations, but strives to acquire 

 for himself a personal knowledge of a group, a genus, or certain structural character- 

 istics, the existence or use of which had hitherto been either unsuspected or idly 

 passed over as of no importance whatever. In the work under notice we have an 

 instance of this patient assiduity and research, and in dealing with the secondary 

 sexual characters in Lepidoptera, the author imparts to his readers much valuable 

 information concerning the methods employed by insects to induce pairing. Refer- 

 ence is also made to both winged and apterous females, and in the case of the latter 

 it may well be said that truth is stranger than fiction. We have much pleasure in 

 commending this excellent production to students of Lepidoptera, and wish the work 

 the success it deserves. 



Books, &c, Received. 



" Entomologist's Record and Journal of Varieties." 

 " Irish Naturalist.'''' 

 " The Naturalist." 

 " Science Gossip." 



" Proceedings of the Chester Natural History Society.'" 



Notice to Entomologists. — It is proposed to resume the Postal Entomological 

 Exchange Club in connection with the new series of The British Naturalist, on the 

 same lines as conducted in connection with its predecessor, The Young Naturalist. 

 Each circuit will consist of ten members, and those of our subscribers desirous ot 

 associating themselves will be good enough to communicate without delay with the 

 Editors of The British Naturalist, Warrington, or to John E. Robson, Hartlepool. 



This scheme, which commends itself to the consideration of those Entomologists 

 who study variation by locality, has been proved to possess very great advantages, 

 as even common species are of interest when there is any local peculiarity attached 

 to them. Forms for recording the results of Sugaring Notes may also be had on 

 application as above. 



* Published by the Author, Westcombe Hill, Blackheatb, S.E. 



