1894-1 221 [Morse. 
Although the group as found in New England is but a small 
one, a considerable amount of literature bearing upon it has accu- 
mulated, in many cases contradictoi-y and confusing in character, 
and leaving many gaps to be filled in a thorough and systematic 
account. 
The only scientific way of obtaining such knowledge of the 
group as under these circumstances seems desirable is through 
tlie medium of a collection comprising all tlie various forms 
from every part of the district under consideration. I have 
endeavored during the last two or three years to obtain such a 
collection, and to that end considerable portions of two summer 
vacations, — in addition to more or less time throughout the 
season in the vicinity of Wellesley, — have been spent in the field 
in various parts of New England, and several thousand specimens 
have been brought together. I have separated out all belonging 
to the genus Spharagemon and these, with the data connected 
with their capture, form the basis of this paper, which may prove 
to be the first of several of similar character. 
Whenever practicable I have made an examination and com- 
parison of the type specimens. In some cases tliis has been easy, 
in others impossible, owing to their destruction. 
While there are still some points left unsettled, these are of 
minor importance in relation to the end in view (a thorough 
knowledge of the New England species), and as considerable time 
would unavoidably elapse before they could be definitely settled, 
and as a junuber of definite results have been obtained, it has 
seemed best to give to other students the benefit of these results 
by publication attliis time. Later on, if suflicient material can be 
obtained, I hope to give a synopsis of the genus. 
In my study of the New England Acrididae during the past 
two yeai-s I have collected nearly five hundred specimens belong- 
ing to this genus. In addition to these specimens I have in my 
collection a few taken in Massachusetts by Mr. S. W. Denton, 
several from Indiana sent by Mr. W. S. Blatchley, and represen- 
tative specimens of several western forms sent by Prof. L. 
Bruner of Nebraska. I have also had for examination a number 
received from Cornell university through the kindness of Prof. 
J. H. Comstock, and all in the collection of Mr. Samuel lienshaw, 
of Cambridge. In all five hundred and sixty specimens of which 
over five hundred are from New England localities. I have seen 
