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THE WEEKLY ENTOMOLOGIST. 
PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
We have been reminded lately of the fable of the old man and his 
ass — we cannot but fear that we have been playing a conspicuous part in 
the scene ourselves. Unfortunately, as among all other races of men, 
quarrels, differences, alienations, will spring up among Entomologists. 
We hardly know when the first note of war is sounded ; we find that our 
pages are laid open to a controversy before we know how to check it. And, 
now and then, whispers come to our ears of discontent spreading among 
our peaceful brethren, who have never had the fortune of crossing swords 
with an adversary. They tell us, in an appeal to our editorial considera- 
tion, that it is unjust, and almost dishonest, to cumber the pages of our 
work with a dispute which cannot interest the body of Entomologists in the 
smallest degree. Our readers at large look upon our controversy numbers 
as so much wasted paper ; some of them go so far as to tire altogether of 
the subject. We remember reading that when Pitt was a young statesman 
one of his happiest sayings was called forth by witnessing a hasty dispute 
between Lord North and one of his colleagues. Welbore Ellis, who had 
been long in receipt of a salary for his services in a place which was itself 
a sinecure, leaning over the two ministers, attempted to decide the point 
at issue — “ I shall stay,” said Pitt, with wonderful effect, “ until the dis- 
pute between Agamemnon and Achilles is decided by Nestor.” 
Now the worst of it is that Pitt returned to the subject when the dispute 
was brought to a close ; while our less enduring subscribers leave Nestor-to 
look out for new contributions and supporters. 
Both parties we cannot please ; in future wo must rigidly adhere to 
peace. We cast ourselves on the forbearance of our contributors, to sustain 
our effort, as far as lies in their power. We cannot pretend to decide 
between two antagonists ; no possible end can be answered by publishing 
private quarrels. We appeal, therefore, to all who desire the prosperity of 
the “ Entomologist, ” to exclude all personal matter from the communica- 
tions with which they favor us. We cannot any longer consent to be the 
shillelah with which to chastise our friends. 
It is without the intention of reflecting doubt upon the claims of any dis- 
putant that we make this declaration ; we make it, seriously, because the 
matter is one requiring a speedy, decided, and efficient remedy. There is no 
evil which so suddenly spi’eads discontent and disaffection among the ranks 
of our contributors as this. Speaking once, we are desirous of never speak- 
ing again ; let us bury the subject for the future ; and meet on the common 
ground of scientific discussion — not on the narrow ground that holds 
but two. — [E d. W.E.] 
Printed for the Altrincham Entomological Society, by R. & A. WOOD, General Printers, Engravers, 
and Lithographers, at their Printing Ollicos, Liverpool ltoad, near the Agricultural Hall, 
Liverpool Road, Islington, London, (N.) 
