294 



THE ENTOMOLOGIST S RECORD. 



exceedingly small. In the small grassy glades I found the species in 

 greater numbers, but the condition of the majority of the specimens 

 left much to be desired. However, I Avas able, after working some 

 time, to muster a fairly interesting series. At privet blossom was 

 netted a single Khii/ia spini, a species I had not previously met with, 

 and a further addition was made to the list in the capture of one or 

 two freshly-emerged Limenitia sibylla, which were frequenting the 

 woodland paths. Hipparclna alcyone and typical Argynnia niobe 

 were taken at Charpigny, and in the grassy glades Brenthh dia 

 occurred sparingly. Mr. Fison had written to say that at Charpigny 

 a few days previously, he bad seen Lviienitu populi flying about the 

 tall trees in the sunshine ; but, although I kept a careful watch, I 

 failed to see the species on this date, a fact due, perhaps, to to the day 

 not being sufficiently bright. 



The next day, June 24th, was spent on the well-known Sepey 

 Eoad. This particular locality bears the reputation of being a splendid 

 collecting ground for the Theclids, which frequent the blossoms of the 

 privet bushes growing by the roadside. Although the day was not 

 ideal, it was not altogether unfavourable, for the sunny intervals were 

 of fairly long duration. The privet though was in ideal condition, 

 for the bushes, which are found so commonly alongside the road, were 

 heavily laden with blossom ; but much to my disappointment, the 

 insects attracted were surprisingly few, both in numbers and species. 

 Nordwannia ilicia was the sole representative of the family, the only other 

 species noted being Pieris brassicae and Aporia rrataei/i, with occasional 

 Anthrocerids. Afterwards I turned my attention to the grassy slopes 

 on the upperside of the road, but at no particular place along the 

 route did I find insects in any large numbers. Parnassln^i opollo was 

 not uncommon, nor were Hesperia carthatui and Aricia ostrarche. A 

 single HirsKtina daman was taken, and other species noted included 

 Adopaea flara, Hesperia alveits, Lycaena arion, Brent/ns dia, B. eiiphro- 

 syne, 21elitaea athalin, M. plinebe, Aryyuuis adippe, A, aylaia, and 

 Leptosia sinapis. A single fresh I'olyyonia c-albuin was taken, and one 

 or two Sesia atellatantiii were noticed hovering over flowers. 



The last day of my stay was reserved for a visit to Eclepens, 

 where so many good species and interesting forms are found ; but it 

 turned out to be quite the most unproductive expedition I had made. 

 The daj', it must be confessed, was utterly impossible, with not a 

 single gleam of sunshine, and a very cold blustering wind. I beat and 

 searched the undergrowth with a persistence that deserved some 

 measure of reward, but the total result of all my labour was a solitary 

 specimen of Coenonymp^a arcania — a species I laad not previously met 

 with. 



This was a somewhat inglorious ending to a holiday, which, 

 despite much unfavourable weather, had proved most thoroughly 

 enjoyable. For, quite apart from the special interest Switzerland has 

 to the lepidopterist in the richness and variety of its butterfly fauna, 

 there are, as everyone knows, those glorious natural beauties of the 

 country, which, in their scientific and aesthetic aspects, make so 

 powerful an appeal to the wider perceptions of the true naturalist. 



In concluding I must confess my great indebtedness to Mr. Wheeler 

 for whatever success that attended my collecting efforts. His varied 

 experience of Swiss collecting proved of immense value in indicating 



