THE WEEKLY ENTOMOLOGIST. 
7 
mittee hope that the success of the 
past year will stimulate the members 
to make renewed exertions in the 
several branches of natural history in 
which they are prosecuting their re- 
searches. 
Bowdon and Altrincham Ento- 
mological society. The fortnightly 
January meeting of the above Society 
was held on the 22nd. Ult. at the 
residence of Mr. S. Morris, Treasurer, 
Mr. T. Blackburn, President, occu- 
pying the chair. There was a con- 
siderable attendance of visitors, among 
whom was Mr. S. Leigh, — formerly 
a member of the Society. 
Mr. E. M. Geldart read a paper 
entitled “ the Entomology of the An- 
cients,” in which he remarked on the 
CEstrus and Cossus of the Romans, 
strongly condemning the confidence 
with which some commentators on 
Latin Authors put forward their ex- 
planations, on these insects, while 
possessing no knowledge of Entomo- 
logy themselves, and, often, without 
even consulting those who do. Me 
announced his intention of renewing, 
the subject at a future time. 
Mr. T. Blackburn then read a sec- 
ond paper on the tarsal system of 
classifying the Coleoptera in which he 
endeavoured to show that although it 
is not satisfactory, yet the improve- 
ments that have been suggested, in- 
crease, instead of diminishing, our 
difficulties. In so doing he briefly 
sketched the leading characters of the 
various Classifications of the Coleop- 
tera that have been proposed, remar- 
king on their points of failure. 
Thanks were returned for both 
these papers. 
Mr. E. M. Geldart exhibited a 
large box of Diptera, containing many 
interesting species, chiefly belonging 
to the family Syrphidce. 
Mr. T. Blackburn exhibited a box 
of Coleoptera. 
Mr. C. Worthington also exhibited 
a box of Coleoptera, consisting prin- 
cipally of Brachelytra. 
Mr. E. Armitage, Secretary, invi- 
ted the members to hold their next 
meeting at his house, and, with 
thanks to Mr. Moms for his enter- 
tainment, the proceedings closed. 
EXCHAHKE. 
Insects to Exchange. Having dup- 
licates of Z. Lonicerce, Z Filipen- 
dulce, L. Dispar, T. Batis, A. Con- 
nexa, C. Vaccinii, and A. Nebulosa, 
also a quantity of coccoons of S. Car- 
pini, and B. Quercus, I shall be glad 
to receive offers of exchange. My 
wants are very numerous. 
I have also, the ova of Orgyia 
Antigua which I shall be glad to give 
to any who may send for it J. Ellis. 
High Street, Hechnondwilce, near 
Leeds. 
Exchange. I have duplicates of the 
following which I shall have pleasure 
in distributing so long as they last ; — 
A. TJlmata, 56; 0. Antigua, 11 
males and 11 females. If good spec- 
imens of any of the following be sent 
I will pay return postage. I wish 
this offer to be understood as a grat- 
uitous one. 
