been asserted to be the case in certain species of Mosquitoes. The other blood-sucking Diptera, with the possible exception of Ceratopogon, are sufficiently distinct from Culicidæ in outward form to obviate any risk of confusion. In countries in which Mosquitoes abound they are recognized without difficulty. In England, however, where some seventeen species of the family occur, though not, as a rule, in any great abundance, or causing much annoyance by their bites, a large amount of confusion apparently exists as to the characteristics of a Mosquito, or, as it is more commonly called, a Gnat. This confusion is mainly due to the fact that the Midges (Chironomidæ), which, with the exception of the genus Ceratopogon, are perfectly harmless, often attract attention from the habit of the males of dancing in the air in swarms on fine evenings in spring and early summer, and, owing to their similarity in shape, size, and general appearance, are commonly mistaken for Gnats (Culicidæ). A good plate well exhibits the differences between the wing of a Mosquito or Gnat (Culex sp.) and of a Midge (Chironomus plumosus).
We have received from Messrs. Friedländer and Sohn, of Berlin, a complete set of their 'Naturæ Novitates' for 1898, bound in one volume. This well-known publication, which not only records current biological literature, but is also a priced catalogue by which very many separata may be obtained, is much enhanced in value and convenience by being issued in a yearly volume. A good index is appended, and one "made in Germany" is seldom to be despised.
By the death of Samuel Stevens, F.L.S., F.E.S., who died on August 29th, after a few days' illness, in his eighty-third year, many readers of this magazine will regret the loss of a friend, and of a very familiar figure at meetings of naturalists, especially at those of the Entomological Society and Entomological Club. At the first—with one exception—he was the oldest member; of the second he was practically at one time a preserver. As an entomologist, he was a collector and lover of the study rather than a scientific worker, and probably acquired more happiness from the pursuit than is obtained by many of the better known and more technical workers. At one time he conducted a Natural History Agency, and was broker in the sales of the enormous collections made by Bates and Wallace. As to the way he conducted this business, the late H.W. Bates has often spoken to the writer of the gratitude he felt for the exhaustive manner in which his interests were safeguarded by Stevens. As these old familiar faces pass away, we realize how the old order changeth, and how practically we are meeting new men and an almost new science. Many present naturalists will long cherish the remembrance of kindly Samuel Stevens.
