CHAPTER OF CRITICISM. 
365 
\_Papilio podalirius has been figured and described in Curtis’s British Ento¬ 
mology ; but we are not at present able to state in which volume or number. 
—Ed.] 
CHAPTER OF CRITICISM. 
Phrenological Query. 
To the Editor of the Naturalist. 
Sir, —At the close of your interesting memoir of Mr. Hewett C. Watson 
(p. 269), you state that the portrait of that gentleman 44 will, to a certain 
extent, confirm our remarks, ante , on Mr. W.’s mental powers.” Now, Mr. 
Editor, this qualified sentence seems to insinuate, either that your portrait is not 
a faithful one, or else that entire reliance cannot safely be placed in the phreno¬ 
logical theory. Some artists pay but little attention to the shape of the head ; 
but as it is distinctly mentioned that 44 especial care” was 44 taken with the shape 
of the head,” and as Mr. Haghe’s artistical ability is well known to the public, 
the sentence alluded to seems a little unaccountable, if I may be allowed to 
say so. 
Had you, Sir, been hitherto either lukewarm in the cause, or decidedly 
opposed to it,H should not have considered the passage remarkable; but the 
fact of a zealous and able phrenologist becoming sceptical does require a little 
explanation. I do not myself profess any knowledge of the theory, being merely 
a 44 looker-on,’’ confident that truth will in the long run be elicited. But the 
antis are always ready to 44 make a handle ” of these things. 
Veracity of Travellers. 
I am glad to see (p. 322) that you have given a bit of a hint to travellers that 
all their readers do not believe the ridiculous fables which they so frequently 
palm upon the public. A friend of mine, alluding to Mr. Temple’s tale of the 
Condor, and your observations thereon, jocosely remarked that if at the time of 
such absurd political whims as at present 44 agitate ” this devoted land, he were to 
publish Travels in Africa , stating that the Lions, Tigers, Panthers, and Leopards 
of that country had lately held a numerous meeting on the Desert of Joz, to 
petition their legislature for 44 Universal Suffrage,” and that the meeting had 
unanimously agreed to support the great principles of the Panthers’ Charter , 
besides sending 44 delegates” to the 44 Convention,” and collecting sundry savory 
3 b 2 
