188 Scientific Intelligence. 
GeofFroy, De Geer, Fabricius, Olivier, &c. with an indication of 
the best figure. The more modern works of Gyllenhal, Ger- 
mar, Sturm, &c. will be likewise cited, and reference made to 
M. Schonher’s excellent work the Synmymka Insectorum., in so 
far as regards the authors of less note. A clear and precise de- 
scription will strengthen the specific characters ; the description 
of the hitherto unpublished species, though concise, will be more 
complete ; finally, the places where the species are observed, 
their habits, and periods of appearance, will be carefully indica- 
ted. An accurate figure will be given of every species described 
throughout the work, which will thus be rendered complete, 
and the possession of other entomological productions rendered 
unnecessary, in as far as regards the European Coleoptera. It 
may be added, that almost every series of drawings of insects 
hitherto executed, has neglected the obscure and least jirominent 
species, of which the determination is the most difficult, as well 
as the sexual distinctions of many species ; and that they have 
universally been presented either without order, or according to 
methods extremely artificial and incoherent, and little in harmo- 
ny with that natural arrangement, which ought alone to obtain 
the suffrage of the philosophical naturalist. — On calculating the 
number of European Coleoptera, we find them to amount to 
about 4800, which, at an average of eight figures to each plate, 
will give 600 as the probable number of plates illustrative of this 
work. Each number will contain five plates, and a text descrip- 
tive of the species therein figured, forming not less than from 
two to three sheets of letter-press. The entire work will consist 
of from fourteen to sixteen volumes, of which two will appear 
annually. The drawings and engravings are confided to artists 
the most accomplished in the requisite styles.” — Letter from a 
Correspondent.^ dated Paris., Jar din du Roi, October 18i^l. 
2,8. Sea-Snake of the Aleutians., Norwegians., and the He- 
hridians. — Pontoppidan describes a monstrous sea-snake said to 
appear occasionally on the coast of Norway ; and relations of a 
similar description are to be met with in the writings of other au- 
thors. Very lately, in the year 1808, the remains of a remark- 
able animal, answering in some degree to the description 
of Pontoppidan, was cast ashore on one of the Orkney 
Islands, and has been described by Dr Barclay in the first 
