262 Mr. W. F. Evans on the Genus Sialis. lines to nearly double that in length. Some parts of the patches of eggs are of a much lighter colour than the rest. On the third of May I found many of the eggs hatching, the little larvae tumbling about in great numbers, with their bodies erected like the Sta'phylhiidce. On putting them into water they swam about with the greatest activity, wriggling and undulating their bodies about much like a serpent or the tadpoles, and working their legs at the same time. Their heads are remarkably large ; but I have thought the accompanying sketch (Plate XIX. fig, 5) will better pourtray them than a written description, and I have also brought some of them alive and some eggs for exhibition. XLII. Remarks on the Entomology of New Zealand. By Wm. Stephenson, Esq., Surgeon. [Read 2d December, 1844.] As the effects of insects, in harmonizing the productions of the earth in the grand scheme of the Omnipotent Being, are perhaps as much or even more conspicuous in New Zealand than in any other country, a few cursory remarks on the Entomology of these unexplored islands (drawn from observation on the spot) would no doubt be received with interest, had the task devolved upon one more capable of doing it justice. It has been asserted in print that New Zealand affords few insects, but I am prepared with facts to prove that in those islands they abound in certain tribes; and the preponderance of some over that of others, in conjunction with divergency of form, will give an idea of the peculiarities of New Zealand Entomology. They are proportioned to the utility which each genus, tribe or family per-forms in a primeval world, where all is seen undisturbed by man. In this country, where vegetation is but slightly checked in winter by the frost, the face of which is extremely hilly, with deep pre-cipitous ravines intervening, upon which there is a profusion of rain at all seasons, it may naturally be expected to be found as it is, viz. clothed with the most gigantic forms of vegetation.
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