36 
of an entomological library, would be well equipped for the work to 
which they have set their hands, and would do some good in helping 
forward the cause of our favourite science. I may be told by some 
that they take up entomology as a hobby, and not as a science, but all 
amateur entomologists do that, and it is usually but a poor excuse for 
doing in a slip-shod manner what a little reading would enable to be 
done more thoroughly. When a man excuses his ignorance by 
referring to entomology as his “ hobby,” I am always afraid that his next 
statement will be, that those who keep themselves abreast of the times 
are professional entomologists. The cost of the three leading entomo¬ 
logical magazines combined is a little over a half-penny a day. Will 
those who buy a half-penny daily paper bear this in mind ? 
One point, too, which touches rather closely some of the members of 
this Society, and which I cannot quite pass over in silence, is the attempt 
that was made in the early part of the year to extend the sphere of our 
operations. It will be remembered that my sympathies were distinctly 
with the object, but when it came to practice, I must confess, I failed 
to see its practicability. We are at present a scientific society, 
cramped for want of funds, largely dependent for our very existence 
on the sympathy and generosity of friends. We are busy men, 
devoting such leisure as the exigencies of wage-earning leave us, to 
our favourite pursuit. It appeared to me that, as a society, we had 
neither the money nor the time to organise an extension on the lines 
suggested, and I am in agreement with Dr. Corbett, who stated that 
“ the man in the street ” knows nothing, and cares less, of science 
in any shape or form. I would make a still more sweeping assertion, 
based on my own observation, and suggest that not only “ the man in 
the street,” but ninety-nine out of one hundred of the middle classes 
care nothing for education at all for its own sake, and put up with it 
simply because it has a money and social value, and because ignorance 
would prove detrimental to their advance in life. It is the practica¬ 
bility of the step suggested that wants demonstrating. It is well to 
have ideals ; it is not always possible to reach them in our every-day 
life. 
Of matters which have stirred the entomological horizon this year, 
and which will leave their mark on the entomology of the world, the 
paper by Dr. Chapman on “The Eggs of Lepidoptera ’’(Trans. 
Ent. Soc. Land.), that by Professor Enzio Reuter, on “ The Palpi of 
Lepidoptera,” and that by Dr. Packard, on “ The Notodonts,” 
may be mentioned. Probably, also, Professor Grote’s publication on 
“ The Saturnikke,” may be included in the same category, whilst 
Professor Fernald’s “ Monograph of the Gipsy Moth (Portlietria 
dispar) ” is a remarkable and excellent production. Of purely British 
matters, the excitement which has occurred as to the specific 
distinctness of Teplirosia bistortata and Tephrosia crepuscularia (biundu- 
laria), and Bombyx quercus and B. callunae is very remarkable, and 
appears to be out of all proportion to its scientific value. Probably, 
however, it has more value scientifically than I am inclined to grant. 
If so, it must bo because such subjects as these are the means of 
causing some of our young recruits to give that dotailod observation to 
a definite and specific object, which is tho ossenco of all scientific 
training. One is inclined, howover, to bo astonished at tho older 
