at least nearer to the ventral surface of the segment than to the dorsal; that several species of Diaspids are without them altogether, and yet form scales or puparia; and that somewhat similar organs are found in certain insects close to the oral setæ: he concludes therefore that they are not “spinnerets,” but “salivary glands.” I am not prepared to deny altogether the force of these reasons. Yet it should be noted that at least these little organs, whilst they differ to some extent from the dorsal “spinnerets” of Diaspids, resemble very closely the dorsal organs which have been by common consent considered as “spinnerets” in the other groups. On the dorsal surface of, say, Aspidiotus, the tubular organs noticeable are different from those in the “groups;” and in several Lecanid or Coccid insects there are also more or less tubular organs. But there are also in these nearly always a number of circular ones which are quite similar to the “grouped orifices” of Aspidiotus. For example, they are very numerous in Cœlostoma; and again in Planchonia, where their double form is merely a variation. Close examination of a “group of orifices” in a Diaspid will show that they are “multilocular”—that is, composed of several openings all enclosed in an outer circle; and Targioni, in plate ii., fig. 23, of his “Studii,” correctly delineates them as such. In this character they exactly resemble the dorsal organs of Cœlostoma: it would seem therefore probable that they fulfil the same function. The figure-of-eight orifices of Planchonia exhibit only one small circle within each outer one: this appears to be an unimportant variation: but undoubtedly these double organs lie at the base of the double long tubes forming the fringe of the insect, and must be taken as the orifices of excretion of the tubes. On the whole, therefore, it would seem to be clear that the “grouped orifices” of a Diaspid are similar to the “spinnerets” of a Coccid or a Monophlebid; and as, so far, no actual proof has been adduced that these organs are not engaged in the excretion of some substance, I have thought it best to retain the word “spinnerets” for the Diaspidinæ.* I find that “grouped orifices” are present, close to the thoracic spiracles, in Aspidiotus aurantii (very small), Diaspis rosœ (very large and conspicuous), Mytilaspis pomorum, Myt. leptospermi, Myt. intermedia, Myt. metrosideri. In all probability they occur in every species of the Diaspidinæ. It may happen that I may be unable to continue in future years these “Notes on Coccids:” I therefore take this opportunity of giving here a short list of the works which will probably be most useful to anybody who may take up the study of these insects.