102 
THE SUBSTITUTE. 
Surely “ Sufferer” does not think 
that: he has a right to another 
man’s insects. But he complains 
that persons who do not intend to 
“ epve nway,” yet take to them- 
selves tlie public credit of doing 
SO; This is an unpleasant charge, 
I have carefully looked over the 
pages of “ The Substitute,” ami, 
with one exception, I observe no 
offer of insects unless accompanied 
with a more or less direct intima- 
tion that a return is expected. 
The one exception alluded to is 
that of Mr. Norcombe (page 27), 
who subsequently, as we have 
seen, stated his views on the sub- 
ject. When charges are made, 
or cojtiplaints preferred, the 7iame 
of the complainant should un- 
questionably be given. I confess 
the style of “Sufferer’s” letter 
would not be calculated to give a 
spur to mg liberality. I will now 
state my views on this knotty 
question. Abstractedly, perhaps, 
lilr. Stainton is right; but the 
honourable and unselfish feelings, 
which alone could prompt a man 
to act as he recommends, are not 
common, and for practical pur- 
poses we must judge of people, 
not as they ought to be, but as 
they are. To my oiler of certain 
uncommon insects, which I am in 
the habit of taking as pupae in 
tolerable plenty, I received many 
replies. Some of my correspond- 
ents having enquired what return 
I expected, I replied “ none,” — 
my offer being piincipally ad- 
dressed to beginners, who juoba- 
bly, if w'illing, would yet be un- 
able to assist me. This is a “ bona 
fide” offer, and, if spared, I shall 
cheerfully send to as many of my 
correspondents ns I can specimens 
of the insects named, stipulating 
only that the postage be paid. 
But lest I should appear to claim 
more credit tlian I deserve, I 
freely confess that generally when 
I send good insects I expect, and' 
I think I am entitled to expect, a 
return. In support of this view, 
in addition to Mr. Norcombe’s, I 
give the following reasons : — I do 
not buy insects — it is far too great 
an expenditure of time and money 
for most entomologists to visit in 
person the various localities where 
many insects are exclusively found, 
e. g., Actceon, Muscerda, iko., fkc. 
How then am I to obtain them ex- 
cept by exchange ? Again: I re- 
ceive a box of rubbish, and on 
opening it find the mites play- 
fully skipping about — such bodies- 
as are left saturated with grease — 
moths venerable from age, rubbed, 
scrubbed, tattered and torn. The 
letter which accompanies this de- 
sirable acquisition requests that 
the box may be returned by next 
post with bred specimens of Do- 
danaa and Xernmpelina. Am I 
not justified in replying that T re- 
quire a better return for such in- 
sects? Every entomologist of two 
or three years’ experience knows 
that such correspondents are like 
anything but “ angel’s visits, few 
and far between.” Much more 
might be said, but I will content 
myself, at this time, with remark- 
ing, 1st, — That I am always ready 
to assist (if in my power), without 
stipulating any return, bona fide 
beginners, when gentlemen, i.e., 
gentlemen in their conduct and 
dealings. 2ndly, — If I send good 
insects to collecloi-s of my own 
.standing, I do expect a return. 
3rdly, — If I find a correspondent 
trying to get the “ weather-gnage” 
of me, in self-defence I must make 
