THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER. 
29 
A North -London Entomological 
Society.— As many entomologists reside 
in the North of London, I think a local 
Society might be advantageously formed 
for that part of London : from what I can 
learn from my entomological friends such 
a Society would he well supported. Will 
no one start it? I am ready to assist in 
the construction, if any one will step for- 
ward and make a beginning. — Henry 
Aris, 149, St. John Street, West Smith- 
field ; April 12. 
EXAMINATIONS IN ENTOMOLOGY. 
TO the editor of the ‘intelli- 
gencer.’ 
Sir, — Your last leader suggesting an 
entomological examination naturally ex- 
cites some reflection. I most cordially 
approve of the idea, but of course have 
several suggestions to make : however, as 
you will probably receive some hundred 
others by this post, they may very likely go 
for nothing. 
In the first place, I should not limit the 
age for examination, at least to twenty ; 
the certificate of having passed should be 
free to all ; whether “ old hands” should 
be eligible to obtain prizes is another 
question ; it appears to me that a mini- 
mum should be required of all, consisting 
of an elementary knowledge of the classi- 
fication, distribution, economic use and 
physiology of the insect-world; Kirby 
and Spence, Burmeister’s ‘ Manual’ and 
Westwood’s * Introduction ’ would be 
standard authorities ; to these might be 
added, by those desirous of “honours,” 
some special subjects connected with 
the Science, the choice at the dis- 
cretion of the candidate, a limited 
monograph being in all cases preferable; 
and it should be agreed upon that the 
highest honours should be attainable only 
by a Treatise, if possible, from actual ob- 
servation. So limited, we need not fear 
even old collectors, and indeed the infu- 
sion of such would stimulate the ranks of 
incipients, which, I much fear, will other- 
wise be found wanting in perseverance. 
I have entered my fifth lustrum, but, 
entomologic illy considered, have by no 
meaus donned the toga virilis, and many 
others doubtless are but “children of a 
larger growth.” Many of us, therefore, 
would be no unfair competitors, as our 
younger brothers would be well disposed 
to admit. 
But, in mercy to you, I conclude, with 
all good wishes and offers of assistance, 
if requisite or possible. 
Yours sincerely, 
W. D. Crotch. 
Uphill House, Weston-super-Mare ; 
April 9. 
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ‘INTELLI- 
GENCER.’ 
Sir, — In last week’s ‘ Intelligencer’ you 
invite entomologists to send you their 
ideas on the subjects for examination. 
I therefore beg to tender my humble 
suggestions, and hope they may be of 
service to you. 
In the first place, I may say that I 
shall be in the senior division (at least I 
suppose so, being over eighteen); I shall 
therefore only speak of that division. 
Now it will be at once seen that the great 
thing to be desired is that the examina- 
tion be as general as possible. I think, 
then that Kirby and Spence’s ‘ Introduc- 
tion,’ Letters 9, 12 to 16 inclusive, 21 to 
24, 26 and 27 would be general and 
useful to those collecting any order of 
insects; also Westwood’s ‘ Introduction,’ 
vol. i. pp. 1 to 18, might be of service, but 
perhaps, as many might not have this 
book, it would be better not to include 
this. Then, as regards the individual 
description of the different families and 
genera, I think there could not be a better 
book than your excellent little ‘Manual,’ 
vol. i., as far as the end of the Sphingina 
