The accompanying figure, No. 11, is a faithful representation of the larva of the Peach-tree Borer, an insect which in some localities is so injurious and abundant as to sadly interfere with successful peach culture. The grub from which this woodcut was prepared was found in company with several others early in March,in some gummy matter lying on the sod immediately surrounding a peach tree. One, which was somewhat smaller than the rest, was dug out of its bored channel in the tree, where it was still feeding.

[Some little time ago Mr. Chambers sent us a specimen of the insect referred to in the following communication, and desired our opinion respecting its specific position. Being unable to give any definite opinion on the matter, as we know but little of the Micro-Lepidoptera, we sent his note and specimen to Mr. Stainton, the great English authority on the Tineina. He very kindly examined the specimen, and communicated his views respecting it, through us, as noticed below.—Ed. C. E.]

The gooseberry saw fly, Nematus Ventricosus. The season of warmth and growth having opened this year early, this never-failing pest has put in its appearance also in advance of previous years; as early as the 23rd of April I found the insect on the wing preparing to deposit its eggs as soon as the foliage was sufficiently expanded. Our last number contained an enlarged figure of the fly. (See fig. 4.) We now give a representation of the larva in its natural position, feeding on the leaves

[This family, usually regarded as a subfamily of the Dytiscidæ,is restricted by Le Conte to the genera Haliplus and Cnemidotus; but Kirby, as will be observed, includes in it the genera Hydroporus and Laccophilus.

The approach of the season for the study of the habits of insects urges me to write a few hints for the guidance of young Canadian beginners. I find that many young persons collect insects more for the sake of recreation and pastime than for the value of the material to aid future investigation. Occasionally one may meet a tyro who can discriminate insect forms, and possess that peculiar acuteness so essential to the study of entomology ; but still he has sad defects, that is, clumsiness in the preparation of his specimens, and want of method. Now, this should be avoided, and the first determination of a young collector who wishes to be successful must be neatness in mounting his specimens, with a zealous regard for the preservation of his cabinet.

Young specimens of the larva of this species were found last year, about half grown, under chips and logs in open fields early in May. They had evidently wintered in the larval state, and had but lately aroused from their winter's sleep. No description of the larva was taken until May 25th, when it was full grown.

Length, 1-25 inch, cylindrical.

Head: medium sized, flattened, black, with two diverging whitish lines down the front and one across, forming a small triangle ; a patch of dots of the same colour on sides ; palpi whitish, tipped with black ; mandibles black.

Body above, dirty brown, with a faint yellowish tinge; a dorsal line of a paler hue, and a subdorsal yellow line, most distinct from fifth to twelfth segments, nearly obsolete on the anterior ones.