206 THE entomologist's record. 



having the spots on the underside of the hindwings almost obselete ; 

 whilst the females of P. anjyrognomon show a very strong tendency to 

 blue suffusion on the upper suface of the wings. The specimens of 

 this species run to a good size from this locality. 



I visited the Pont de Pierre, near Sonzier, on May 25th, and the 

 weather conditions were generally favourable for collecting. The 

 train was taken from Aigle to Montreux, and thence by M.O.B. to 

 Chernex, walking from that station across to the Pont de Pierre via 

 Sonzier. Scarcely any butterflies were seen until Sonzier was passed; 

 between this place and the Pont de Pierre, a fair number of species were 

 seen, but none of them was at all common. One or two nice Papilio 

 machaon were taken, along with a few newly-emerged Polyommatus 

 liylas. The few MeUtaea parthenie seen were of no especial form. On 

 arriving at the bridge, I found it very favourable collecting-ground,, 

 for insects were flying in some numbers, both with regard to individuals 

 and species. In the chief object of my quest I was disappointed for 

 Mr. Wheeler had told me that here I would find Melitaea aurinia as 

 common as it was variable. Common it certainly was, but I was too 

 late for it, for nearly all those captured were too ragged to retain. 

 Here, for the first time, I saw how butterflies swarm at damp places. 

 On one side of the road the ground was inclined to be marshy, and in 

 one or two places the moisture had overflowed on the road. For 

 certain species these damp places appeared to possess an irresistible 

 attraction, and, to an entomologist who is unfamiliar with the sight, it 

 is a wonderfully interesting spectacle to witness siach masses of 

 butterflies continually in motion, struggling either to retain or improve 

 their position. Some non-entomological passers-by were also struck by 

 the sight, and watched the swarms with curious interest. The swarms 

 were composed chiefly of Cupido minimus, with a fair sprinkling of 

 C. osiris {sebrus), Cyaniris semiaryus, Polyommatus icarus, Agriade» 

 thetis, and Hesperia malvae, with an occasional Polyommatus hylas. I 

 do not remember seeing any J insects among these swarms. Amongst 

 the A. thetis taken were a fine ab. hyacinthus, and a well-marked ab. 

 puncta. Several Cyclopides palaemon were darting about over some- 

 rough, marshy ground on the hillside, and those netted were in prime 

 condition. Hesperia serratulae and H. alreus were also taken. Brenthis 

 euphrosyne was flying commonly about the roadway above the bridge, 

 and here I first met with Polyyonia c-alhuw, a hybernated specimen. 

 Melitaea cinxia was in good condition, and not uncommon, and a single 

 M. athalia fell to the net. Colias hyale was very common, with 

 Euchlo'e cardaurines less common, and Leptosia siiiapis was occasionally 

 noticed. Single examples of Pararye egeria var. eyerides, (Jelastrina 

 aryiolus and Pou-ellia sao were taken. As heavy clouds were now 

 gathering, the return journey to Montreux was made rather hurriedly 

 down the delightful Gorge du Chauderon. Just as the train reached 

 Aigle the rain came pelting down, followed by a terrific thunderstorm^ 

 This storm proved to be the breaking-point of the spell of fine weather, 

 for after this date the weather proved very variable. 



The following day. May 26th, was practically sunless, with very low 

 temperature and rain at frequent intervals. Almost similar conditions 

 prevailed the next day, the only improvement being that there werft 

 brief and distant intervals of sunshine. After lunch I went by train 

 to Bex, walking back through the fields bordering the railway to St. 



