580 DESCRIPTIONS OF INDIAN MICRO-LEPIDOPTERA. By E. Meyrick, b.a., f.r.s., f.z.s. I. In this and successive papers I propose to endeavour to work out the Indian Micro-Lepidoptera (including under this head those of Burma and Ceylon), a task of great interest and probably also of great magnitude. For material I shall be wholly dependent on others, since there is no likelihood of my being able to visit the region personally at present, and I have already received much kind help and promise of more. I venture, however, to appeal to all collecturs to assist in this matter : very little is known at present, and even the commonest species will be welcomed, to ascertain geographical range and variation. Full information as to localities, elevation, dates, and larval habits is also desired. If collectors will number the species sent in rotation, proceed-ing to higher numbers for successive consignments, and retaining specimens with corresponding numbers, I will send them the identifi-cations according to these numbers. All types of species described will eventually be deposited in the collection of the British Museum ; but I hope also to be able to send duplicates of many species to Mr. E. E. Green, Government Entomologist of Ceylon, and Mr. L. C. H. Young, Entomological Curator at the Bombay Museum, to form re-ference collections which can be consulted on the spot. It is very desirable that specimens should be in good condition ; poor specimens may be identified if the species is already known, but could not be described. In particular, care should be taken to prevent their becoming mouldy, which, I am aware, is difficult in the tropics ; but mould will not attack insects in boxes if a small piece of sponge is pinned in one corner (so as not to come in contact with the box itself) and some carbolic acid dropped on the sponge ; the vapour will not only keep off mould, but insect pests of all descriptions. Mould on the head of small insects makes the structure unrecognisable, and, in general, cannot be removed. It is impossible to insist too strongly on the necessity for proper packing ; it is very disappointing to all concerned when valuable specimens are destroyed in transit, whilst with due care this need never happen. I recommend that the following instructions should be strict-ly carried out. Trie insect-box should be small and light, no strength being required, and the cork should be good ; the specimens placed as
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