4G THE REPORT OF THE [ No. 19 



south-wfst; but the gener*! opinion that one is compelled to form, after reading most of 

 the notes relating to the autumnal swarming of this species is, that the large congrega- 

 tions of butterflies that then collecc will, given fine calm weather, stay long (in swarms) 

 in one place, and the evidence is altogether insufficient to show that these go south-west 

 rather than in all (or any) directions apart from weather conditions." 



When one's opinions are distinctly challenged, one naturally feels a desire to vindi- 

 cate them ; and as there is much in these quotations that is in direct opposition to my 

 belief on the subject, which has been largely formed upon actual observation, inflaenced 

 no doubt by what I have read, I shall review them somewhat in detail, in an attempt to 

 make it clear that I, and many others on this continent, have not wholly misunderstood 

 what we have seen. Mr. Tutt seems to be needlessly skeptical on some points, in 

 view of what he informs us of the wonderful performances of this butterfly, which he 

 appears to accept ; and I doubt not that a little personal observation would convince him 

 of it. 



I know nothing of the habits of Pyrameis cardui in Europe except what I have 

 read • but in this country, my attention was soon attracted by its periodicity when I be- 

 gan collecting. I have seen in some seasons, cloverfields just alive with fine, large, rosy 

 specimens ; whilst in others I have watched carefully for them all summer and not seen 

 one, I have seen its larva in such numbers as to consume all the thistles in one field, 

 and cross the road in masses to another for fresh food, whilst the whole neighbourhood 

 became alarmed that their crops were to be destroyed by an invasion of the army worm. 

 I came to the conclusion that they appeared every third year ; and sometimes then only 

 in very moderate numbers, yet I never observed anything in any of its peculiar habits, 

 to in any way correspond with those of Anosia Archippus. It is rather unsafe to draw, 

 confidently, conclusions from analogy when dealing with insects. 



In the quotations made by Mr. Tutt from the few recorded observations made by 

 different individuals, of the movements of Anosia Archippus ; their gathering together 

 in swarms preparatory to their migrating, and their passing over the country in flocks, 

 have got somewhat mixed, some of them referring to the one, and some to the other. All 

 admit their assembling ; the purpose of their assembling has to be inferred, which gives 

 plenty of scope for the play of the imagination. The butterflies take weeks in collecting 

 before they depart. Having chosen their rendezvous, they have to come together from a 

 considerable extent of territory around, to accumulate the multitudes they often do, and 

 that takes time. How those at a distance get to know of the spot is a very interesting 

 and puzzling thought, but that they do in some way is a fact. Now, it is during this 

 gatheiing process that the coming in the evenings and the going in the mornings has 

 mostly been observed, and is usually kept up for a length of time, regardless of the 

 weather. No one observing these movements could help wondering and enquiring what 

 the object of such conduct could mean ; and if informed about their migratory habits, 

 and watching them to the end, he would be satisfied that it was in some way intimately 

 and directly associated with their intention to leave, and was preparatory to that very 

 purpose. We cannot tell how their minds act in connection with the subject ; we can 

 only express our convictions in accordance with the operations of our own, drawn from 

 observation. As the time approaches for their departure, whi^h for this locality is about 

 the first of September, the great majority that compose the swarm, gets into that singular 

 dormant and listless mood, which is another very perplexing state of mind to account for, 

 but which no doubt is also intimately associated with their future intentions ; they will 

 remain for days in what appears to be a state of semi-hybernation, when they show no 

 great desire even for food. I have only once had the pleasure of watching one of these 

 swarms assembling, but from all accounts it was quite characteristic of their doings at 

 such a time. Some of my published observations will allow of expanding and comment- 

 ing upon. 



The woods where I saw the assembling of A. Archippus as recorded in Can. Ent. 

 Vol. 12, p. 37, was that in which the asylum buildings at Hamilton now stand. My visits 

 to it were made every other day. I saw the butterflies there three times, which would 

 cover five days, and to the last they were perceptibly on the increase. I would get there 

 about half past one, when I would find them hanging in clusters, quite motionless except 

 when disturbed. That they should be there at that time of day, in that condition, caused 

 me to wonder greatly. Whether they had been out in the morning or not I cannot say ; 



