1882.J 
( 49? ) 
CORRESPONDENCE. 
%* The Editor does not hold himself responsible for statements of fads or 
opinions expressed in Correspondence, or in Articles bearing the signature 
of their respective authors. 
BURROWING BEETLES. 
To the Editor of the Journal of Science. 
Sir, — Your able contributor Mr. G. H. Kinahan, in his interesting 
paper on the formation of vegetable soil, as inserted in your July 
issue, makes due and true notice of the services of certain beetles 
in deepening the soil. The blue species which he says are locally 
called by the singular name of “ bumbly bees ” are without doubt 
some kind of Geotrupes, and very serviceable they are in loosen- 
ing the soil, carrying down and covering up the excreta of horses, 
cows, &c., and bringing up heaps of clay, &c. I should think 
that in pasture-lands they must be more efficient agents than 
earth-worms. The larvae of the “ cockchaffer ” ( Melolontha 
maialis) penetrate into the earth to the depth of 2 feet or more, 
but I have never known them bring up any appreciable quantity 
of soil. The female, when about to lay her eggs, generally se 
lecfts soils already well loosened by cultivation, as she has not the 
robust legs of the Geotrupes. — I am, &c., 
An Essex Coleopterist. 
THE ADVANCEMENT OF MEDICINE BY 
RESEARCH. 
To the Editor of the Journal of Science. 
Sir, — Is the “ Association for the Advancement of Medicine by 
Research, which was inaugurated by such a number of illustrious 
scientific men, medical and non-medical, a bona fide working 
