It is this peculiarity which explains the specific name of "odorous" (_olens_) given to your captive. As for its generic name, _Staphylinus_, I have no means of interpreting its etymology; for the insect's shape has no resemblance to that of a bunch or cluster,--in Greek, ςταφυλή. But this last word also signifies the _uvula_, and, perhaps, by the effort of a little imagination, the naturalist may trace a similitude between that organ of the throat and the body of the _Staphylinus_. The _Staphylini_ are characterised by a very narrow neck, which separates, as by a kind of web, the head from the thorax. In diffusing the peculiar odour of which we have just spoken, they simultaneously eject a musky volatile liquid contained in two retractile whitish bladders, situated near the anus. They run quickly, elevating their abdomen like the earwig. The antennæ, inserted in the rear of the strong mandibles, are each composed of eleven articulations, of which the first is the longest; these joints, rounded in form, are arranged like the beads of a necklace. * * * * * The Staphylini belong to that numerous section of insects whose _tarsi_ are composed of five articulations, and which have thence received the name of Pentaceii. In this section they form, with some other genera, the family of _Brachelytræ_, so called because their elytra, or wing-sheaths, are much shorter than the abdomen. Our _Staphylinus olens_ is finely punctuated, somewhat hairy, and of a dull black colour. Though very common in our gardens, and wherever any putrefying substances are to be found, its habits are not very well known. For if it were generally understood that it is an essentially carnivorous animal, that it carries on a determined warfare against the caterpillar, larvæ, and especially the white-worm, far from seeking to destroy it, men would surely attempt to increase its numbers. It is a proof that the Staphylini are useful insects, that they are rare in seasons when the white-worms abound, as was the case, for example, in the years 1867 and 1868. The larva of the Staphylinus is as carnivorous as the perfect insect, which it likewise resembles in form. To sum up: in every phase of their existence, the Staphylini render immense services to the agriculturist. It is very desirable that this fact should be generally recognised, and their rehabilitation generally proclaimed. THE MOLE-CRICKET.