152 BBITISH BUTTERFLIES 



while during the intervals between such remarkable appearances — 

 usually several years — it is positively scarce. The last la-\'oured 

 season was the summer of '92, during which (from the beginning of 

 August to the end of the summer) dozens might easily have been 

 caught in an hour or two ; in fact, so plentiful were they in many 

 places, that they were continuously in sight, often several at one time. 



Those in search of this insect should repair to the south coast, 

 especially the south-east, and where lucerne and clover fields are 

 in flower. It has very decided maritime tendencies, and may often 

 be seen flying over the cHffs and beaches, and even skipping over the 

 breakers ; but, at the same time, it is more or less plentiful in many 

 inland districts. It has been taken in many parts of Ireland and 

 Scotland, particularly along the southern coasts of these countries; 

 but its head quarters are undoubtedly the southern cliffs of England, 

 from Cornwall to Kent, and also the hilly inland districts of the 

 south-eastern counties. 



Edtisa catching is very lively sport, and is likely to prove 

 sufhcient for any lover of outdoor exercise under a scorching sun ; 

 for this butterfly is not only very powerful on the wing, but its 

 flights are usually long, so that a good run is often absolutely 

 necessary in order to capture it. On very hilly ground, such as 

 Edusa loves, chase is often hopeless, and then it is necessary to 

 resort to stratagem. In such a case the best plan is to make a 

 very cautious approach when the insect has been observed to settle, 

 and then secure it with a sudden down-stroke of the net. 



The eggs are laid during May and June by a few females that 

 have survived the winter. 



The caterpillar may be found in June and July on its food 

 plants, the chief of which are the bird's-foot trefoil {Lotus cornicu- 

 latt(s), and the purple and Dutch clovers (Trifoliiiiu jjratcnse and 

 T. 7\'pens). Itscolour is grass-green, and it is marked with a narro^v 

 whitish stripe on each side, which is broken by the yellow of the 

 spiracles. 



The chrysalis is of a pale yellowish green, and is marked with 

 yellow stripes and reddish-brown dots. 



Th.c Brimstone {Gono'pterijx lihamni) 



This, the last member of the present family, is remarkable for 

 the graceful outline of its wings. The costal margins of the fore 

 pair are most beautifully arched, and both pairs are sharply angled 

 on the hind mai^gins. This latter characteristic is quite unique 



