1880 .] 
143 
Naturally they include all branches of Natural History ; but the subjects are divided 
into Sections, and each of these is paged separately. The aim appears to be twofold 
in its nature : firstly, to furnish local lists, and, secondly, to chronicle notable ad- 
ditions of novelties and rarities noticed in each year. Insects evidently occupy a 
large share of the attention of the Members of these Societies, and amongst the 
contributors we notice the names of Porritt and Prest for Lepidoptera, Mosley for 
Hemiptera and Dipt. era, and W. I). Roebuck and Bairstow for Hymenoptera. But 
Ornithology, Concliology, and Botany are equally as well represented. The paper, 
typography, and general “ getting-up ” are excellent. 
The existence of such a multitude of Natural History Societies in a small 
district (for so Yorkshire is, notwithstanding it is our largest county), is probably 
an almost unique fact, and we believe we are correct in stating that the majority of 
the Members are of the artisan class. Judging from the List of Members on the 
cotei of I art iii, lialf-a-erown is the usual annual subscription, but it appears to be 
optional with Members to supply pecuniary aid in excess of this modest sum, an 
option largely exercised, even to the extent of two guineas. Those amongst 
Biitishcrs who know the tastes of some of the better class amongst our artisans 
m the great industrial centres (of which Yorkshire is one), will be little surprised at 
finding Naturalists so abundant amongst them : to foreigners the fact must be a 
matter for some little astonishment. It was a happy idea to unite these Societies 
under a central governing body, and this latter, if wise, should use its position for 
educational purposes on broad principles, by impressing upon the Members the 
necessity of recognising the fact that Yorkshire is not Britain, and that Britain is 
only an island in the northern seas. 
Insect Variety : its Propagation and Distribution, treating of the 
ODOURS, DANCES, COLOURS, AND MUSIC IN ALL GRASSHOPPERS, ClCAD^E, AND MOTHS ; 
Beetles, Leaf-Insects, Bees, and Butterflies ; Bugs, Flies, and Ephemerae ; 
AND EXHIBITING THE BEARING OF THE SCIENCE OF ENTOMOLOGY ON GEOLOGY. 
By A. II. Swinton. London : Cassell, Petter, Galpin & Co., 1880, pp. 326, 8vo. 
This work indicates extensive reading of the writings, in many languages, of 
authors, ancient and modern, who have investigated the attributes of insect-life, and 
copious extracts and references are given, together with statements of the researches 
and observations of the author himself, some of which have appeared in this maga- 
zine ; the illustrations consist of a frontispiece, seven mostly well-drawn plates, and 
figures incorporated with the text. The odours, dances, colours, and music 
(erroneously so-called) of insects have always been deemed to be manifestations of 
love, fear, anger, or rivalry, and as ministering directly or indirectly to the mainte- 
nance of their race ; but when it is said or inferred that they are also the primary or 
remote causes of insect-variety, we demur, and say that the statement or inference 
is not pi’oved. It is admitted, even by the author, that sounds emitted by an insect 
are attractive only to others of the same species, all hough there are, as stated, some 
exceptions in the Cicadce. Variety, that is, differentiation of species, and even the 
variation of the individuals of a species, arc really due to extrinsic changing, or for 
a time pei’sistent, conditions and agencies acting on elastic vital powers. Neverthe- 
less, as bringing a great number of observations of numerous investigators into one 
view, this work is very interesting and serviceable, but it sadly wants an index for 
reference to special items. 
