The following communication is introductory to a few remarks on the Nova Scotian and Canadian Insects which I have received through the kindness of J.M. Jones, Esq., W. Saunders, Esq., and Prof. Croft.

The study of the geographical distribution of Insects has become more interesting by the differnece of opinion as to the origin and diffusion of species. The insects of seperate arctic regions have a great muttual resemblance, and the difference between them increases in the successive concentric circles from the above regions towards the equator.

On page 95 of Volume II. of the Canadian Entomologist, I gave a list of the Diurnal Lepidoptera so far taken at Quebec. I now add the Hererocera as far as the Bombycidæ, availing myself of the latest revision of the species by Dr. Packard and Mr. Grote. It is to be hoped that the researches of these eminent Entomologists have placed the nomenclature and grouping of these moths on a permanent basis.

Face, palpi, under surface and legs silvery-white, the legs marked on their anterior surface with golden and brownish spots and bands: tuft, white, golden at the sides ; antennæ silvery-white beneath, above golden brown faintly annulate with whitish : thorax and anterior wings bright golden ; upon the wings is a short snow-white median basal streak strongly dark-margined behind and within. (Sometimes the anterior margin and sides of the thorax are also white)

Attacus cecropia.–During the winter months, when the apple trees are leafless, the large cocoons of the Cecropia moth may be found here and there, firm1y bound to the twigs, and occasionally I have seen them on young trees attachcd to the stock near the ground. They are about and are entirely constructed of silk, the fibres of which are very much stronger than those of the common silk worm Bombyx mori. This silk has been worked to a limited extent and manufactured into socks and other articles, which have been found very durable; but a drawback to the advancement of this branch of industry lies in the fact that the caterpillars do not bear confinement well, and hence are not easily reared.

Body very much depressed, thickly punctured with a hair issuing from each puncture; On the under-side black. . Head with a round impression between the eyes: prothorax pale-yellow with a subquadrangular sublobate black spot in the disk; Punctures of the prothorax very thick, those of the discoidal spot resembling scratches : elytra brown-b1ack, rather silky, with two longitudinal, undulated, obsolete ridges that do not reach the apex; their surface is covered with irregular elevations, and near the suture is a series of punctiform impressions; epipleura very wide with its horizontal portion resplendent with a lustre between bronze and gold, vertical part, or inner margin, yellow ; the suture of the elytla terminates in a minute point.