"mediocres; alii ueno præditi colore, alii duobus, " alii pluribus: alii maculati, alii sine maculis. An"tennas habent Papiliones, et alas farinaceas fragilesque. Quidam amant loca florida, quidam in parietibus et locis tenebricosis versantur. "Usus. Urinas movere dicuntur." p. 30. A Cerambyx and an Acarus magnified, are the only Insects figured. The author having now enumerated all the entomological writers and their works, which have been given to the public in these kingdoms, in as far as they have reached his knowledge, here concludes the subject, at least for the present; but may hereafter possibly resume it, for the purpose of showing in what manner the cultivation of the entomological science has engaged the attention of other nations: hoping that the sketch here given will, in the mean time, be graciously accepted by the Members of this Society, II. On Rearing Insects. By the Rev. THOMAS SKRIMSHIRE, LL. B. and F. E. S. MAN is a social and communicative animal; soci eties therefore, or collective bodies of men formed for the purpose of obtaining and communicating knowledge, are agreeable to our nature; and in the highest degree conducive to the attainment of science, and the benefit of our fellow creatures. Natural history, in particular, is eminently indebted to institutions of this nature; for trifling and confined would be the knowledge of any individual, though blessed with the nicest and most accurate discrimination, were it confined to his own observation. We need only turn our attention to the liberal and highly esteemed institution of the Linnæan Society, to be convinced of the proud pre-eminence in Natural History which this island has obtained, and is likely to preserve, over every nation in the world, in consequence of the liberal and communicative sentiments of its worthy President in particular, and the other Members of that Society. But as knowledge is more accurate the nearer we attend to minutiæ, and communication more interesting upon subjects which immediately surround us, I conceive that the Entomological Society deserves the encouragement and support of every Naturalist of this happy island, As a humble individual, and Member of that Society, I shall ever consider it as my duty and greatest pleasure, to communicate my observations on the immediate object of our attention, and to add my mite of knowledge to the general stock of the Society. As the general history of Insects of Great Britain, including their habits and economy, growth, progress, and metamorphoses, are but little known, I purpose doing myself the honour of transmitting the Society a letter anually upon this subject; but as my sphere of observation is very much confined, my remarks will, in general, not extend beyond the Insects of Norfolk. I shall endeavour, when it is in my power, to trace the Insect from the egg to the perfect state; and though my attention will be in a great measure confined to the Lepidopterous Insects, yet I shall occasionally deviate, as opportunity occurs. It will, however, very frequently happen, that the history of an Insect will be begun, but break off abruptly; I shall not, however, keep back my remarks on that account. Without farther preface, I shall commence my observations. For the purpose of rearing Insects from the egg to the perfect state, I have procured a number of tin boxes, about two inches square, two sides of which, with the top and bottom, are of tin perforated with small holes; the remaining two sides are glazed: one of the tin sides constitutes a door, which slides in a groove. Twelve of these are placed in a wooden trough, partitioned off for each box, about inch deep, and made perfectly water tight. Only one Caterpillar, or a brood, is placed in each of these boxes, which are numbered. A book is kept num 72 REV. MR. SKRIMSHIRE ON REARING INSECTS. bered to correspond with the boxes, in which is entered the history of the Insect, from the day that it is placed in its box. A little water is poured into each partition of the wooden trough, which serves to keep the food moist, as also the earth which is put in the tin boxes, that the Caterpillar may undergo its metamorphosis in the most natural manner. I have observed that many of the pupæ have died in the earth; this, I conceive, in a great measure is owing to the earth binding so hard round them, as to prevent perspiration and breathing. I have therefore procured a looser kind of earth from a decayed tree, which I have mixed with equal proportions of sand and sawdust. Should the Society approve of my design, though I will not answer for much novelty in my remarks, I will endeavour, as far as possible, that my observations may deserve confidence, by the strictest accuracy and attention to the subject in question. In hopes that my humble attempt may stimulate some more able Member to communicate his observations on a somewhat similar plan, I joyfully commence my task. III. On the Lygaus micropterus. By the REV. JOHN BURRELL, A. M. F. L. S. and F. E.S. IN presenting to the Society the Lygæus transmitted with this letter, I flatter myself that I am offering a rare and curious Insect, not yet described by any author. At first appearance, we are prejudiced against its being a perfect Imago; but the circumstance of my taking four or five pairs in copulation, removes all doubt on this head. It is a very charming Insect when first captured; but the green has faded considerably to a yellow tint. To describe it in scientific language, perhaps the following will meet with the Society's approbation. LYGÆUS MICROPTERUS. L. viridis, elytris venis duabus et margine interioribus rubris. Hab. in Graminibus in locis cretaceis. Aug. init. DESC. Antennæ quadriarticulatæ rufæ, ultimo Caput viride, margine posteriore rufo-flavo, oculis fuscis, setosum. Rostrum longum, pallidum. Thorax setosus, viridis. Scutullum thorace concolor. Elytra brevia viridia venis elevatis, duabus et margine interioribus rubris, villosula. |