An enemy of Abies nigra sent to me by Mr. C. S. Sargent, from the Arboretum of Harvard University, induced me to compare the literature about the enemies of this tree. To my surprise, all that is published consists of two very excellent papers by Mr. Ch. H. Peck, Albany.

Egg—Conoidal, truncated, the top a little arched ; the sides more or less convex, varying; the height to the breadth as 9 to 7; marked by 14 straight ribs, which are compressed and elevated, and run from base to top ; crossed by about 11 striæ, horizontal, rather prominent ; the spaces between the ribs and striæ are quadrangular, the shortest side being with the long axis of the egg; these spaces are depressed and are either flat or slightly convex ; the summit is covered with rows of cells, concentric, those of the outer two rows large, hexagonal and irregular, of the third row small, hexagonal ; within these are 8 small cells, not depressed, irregularly rhomboidal and forming an eight-rayed star ; in the centre a minute star of six rays. Duration of this stage 4 to 5 days.

The following extract is from the American Entomologist, vol. iii., p. 138 (June, 1880):

“ … in which article, by the way, may be found the first “suggestion that we are aware of in this country, of the practical utilization of fungus diseases, so that Walsh really anticipated LeConte in this suggestion.”

Last summer Dr. Geo. Engelmann saw some parts of the biological collection here, and was so kind to promise me his help to obtain some species, which I was very eager to possess, viz., Pronuba yuccasella in its different stages, and Phylloxera. By his request, I received through the kindness of Mr. Thos. Meehan, in September, two bundles of the stems of Yucca filamentosa and angustifolia.

The migratory instinct, common to so many species of birds, and even of mammalia, is also exhibited by many species of insects. In the case of birds and animals it has mostly to do with variations of climate, or the necessity of suitably providing for the raising of their young; in the case of insects the causes of migrations are not so evident, and observation is required in order to decide the point, if, indeed, it can be decided at all.

Several of your correspondents have given you articles on.the early appearance of Lepidoptera this season, and as the Catocalas are my favorites, I will give my experience with them. According to good authority and report, C. epione had the honor of being the first to appear-but I find in this locality a very strong argument against that theory. By referring to my diary I see that C. ilia has the precedence.

In answer to a query in the March Entomologist as to the rearing of larvæ of wood-boring beetles, I would say that it is very difficult to do after they have been removed from their burrows. Try damp sawdust of the same wood. The better plan where infested timber is found, is to saw it into short lengths, pack in tight box and cover with a wet cloth. Many kinds cannot bore in dry wood.