Read February 17, 1818.
No country has produced more novelties in every department of Natural History than New Holland; and the plants and animals of that insular continent, if I may so speak, are most of them of a peculiar character. Even such as are most nearly related to those of other climates usually exhibit some diagnostic that separates them from their correlatives, and indicates the region that gave them birth. Thus, the Rhipiceræ of New Holland are distinguished from those of South America by the teeth that arm the inside of their mandibles: their Lucani, (L. nebulosus Kirby, at least,) from those of other countries by their recurved mandibles and emarginate mentum. Not to mention the differences that separate Anoplognathus from Geniates and Rutela, or Scarabæus proboscideus from its affinities Sc. mobilicornis, quadridens, &c.
Mr. Brown, (who has so ably illustrated the Flora of New Holland, and whose observations and discoveries have diffused so much new light over the science of Botany,) when in that country did not overlook its zoological productions, and amongst other subjects collected many new and singular species of insects. Desirous of having these treasures described, and his time and attention,—to the great benefit of the botanical world,—being de-
