128 THE entomologist's record. 



Alhulina pheretes, although all the slopes were examined. Colias 

 phicomone was very common, and, strange to say, those on the lower 

 slopes were fresher than those found higher ; while Brenthis pales was 

 everywhere, mostly with dark undersides. CoenonywpJia satipion were 

 numerous on rough ground in one of the bends in the path, as were 

 Erebia tyndarus; Pontia callidice was scarce. 



The path to the Cabane de Mountet was visited on the next day, 

 when Parnassius delius was in abundance with Colias phicomone and 

 Brenthis pales of lighter colour than those found on the opposite slopes. 

 Scarcer species were Aricia donzelii, Albtdina pheretes, Latiorina 

 orbitidus, and Vacciniina optilete (these four blues were just coming on). 

 A very ragged and belated specimen of Parfiassius ninenwsyne, the four 

 wings being whole, but quite devoid of scales, and a 5 Aporia crataegi, 

 completed the list. 



On August 11th, I worked along the left bank of the Navigenze, 

 and found that Parnassius delius and Pieris napi were now becoming 

 worn, but a fresh brood of P. brassicae had emerged, these being of 

 good size. Brenthis ino was evidently over, a few worn specimens 

 being taken, but Polymnmatus Jiylas and Issoria latlionia were emerging. 

 In the afternoon, 1 tried the slopes leading to the Col de Sorrebois, 

 and was delighted to find, in the wood, many bushes laden with wild 

 red currants, at that time very far from being ripe. Beautiful Piosa 

 alpina and another variety of pale pink wild rose were still in bloom. 

 Argynnis niobe var. eris was just out, and an interesting capture was a 

 Cyclopides palaenwn, which, I think, has not been previously recorded 

 from this valley, 



The next day was spent on the Corne de Sorrebois. Another 

 Cyclopides palaenwn was taken, in splendid condition ; the only insects 

 seen in the wood were Erebia ligea, E. yoante, and PJ. ceto (very worn), 

 which were flying at the tree limit, 7000ft. up. Above this height 

 Brenthis pales was very abundant, and the captures included two very 

 nice ab. napaeae. There are numerous mountain streams on these 

 slopes, and the ground being mostly spongy, forms fine Parnassius 

 delius ground. This species and Colias phicomone was common, but 

 both had seen their best days ; in some sheltered corners Erebia 

 melampus and E. tyndarus were in swarms. In the late afternoon a 

 good many B. pales were observed asleep in the centres of ox-eye 

 daisies, the various tints of the marbled undersides toning beautifully 

 with the paler colours of the flower. 



The banks of the Navigenze were worked on several occasions. 

 On moist patches of sand were swarms of Urbicola comma and Hesperia 

 alveus. Parnassitis delius was fond of settling in the grass in the 

 afternoon, and would rustle out with much fuss at one's approach ; 

 under these conditions it proved very much easier to net than when 

 flying at full speed up and down the rocky and steep mountain slopes. 

 Aricia donzelU, always in fine condition, mostly S- s, was spread 

 sparsely all over the valley, i.e., from the Chapelle St. Laurent 

 upwards, and generally occurred in company with Latiorina orbitulus, 

 Vacciniina optilete, Plebeius argus, Cyaniris semiargus, Cupido osiris 

 (sebi'us), and Aricia astrarche, while Colias phicomone appeared to be 

 quite the commonest butterfly at Zinal. 



I will conclude with the following dialogue, which took place at 

 Zinal, and may perhaps throw a little light on the attitude of the 



