1905.] 1]^3 



scent many individuals of several species of butterflies at Mortehoe, 

 vs'ith the follov^'ing results. With a view to avoid picking and choosing, 

 the results of every observation were recorded, and for some days 

 every butterfly netted was tested. 



PiERis NAPi, (J (46 examined). 

 The highly characteristic scent was often so obvious as to be readily perceived 

 when the insect was fluttering in the net, but was ?» every specimen easily detected 

 by rubbing the wings while holding the insect under the nostrils. The scent varied 

 in intensity; it was very strong in a male netted when courting. The scent, which 

 is pleasant, is usually (and with good roason) compared to that of lemon verbena, 

 but it is by no means identical therewith. 



PiERis NAPi, ? (35 examined). 

 In no single instance was the lemon verbena scent detected. In four cases a 

 fainter scent was observed during life, and in eleven cases such a scent was observed 

 after the insect's thorax had bepn pinched in the common way of killing butterflies. 

 The character of this scent was like that of the (? P. rapie, but fainter. In nine 

 cases the results were doubtful ; in eighteen cases no scent was detected. 



PiERis RAP^, (^ (40 examined). 

 Two appeared to be without scent ; in nine the result was doubtful ; but in 

 twenty-nine a distinct scent was detected. This was not as strong as in the (J of 

 the preceding species, so that it could not be made out when the insect was in the net. 

 The scent was agreeable, of a somewhat " sticky " character ; it has been compared 

 to that of mignonette, but Mr. Selwyn Image's suggestion of sweetbriar is better, 

 though the resemblance is not exact. Two consecutive observations were (1) on a 

 male taken courting, in this the scent was exceptionally strong ; and (2) on a male 

 taken in copula, in which the scent was fainter than the average. It did not 

 appear to make any difference whether the wings were rubbed during life or after 

 death by pinching. 



PiERis EAP^, ? (39 examined). 



In twenty-nine no scent was detected ; in four after pinching a faint sweetbriar 

 odour was detected ; in five the results were doubtful ; in one case only was a fairly 

 strong scent observed, this apparent exception greatly puzzled me until the explana- 

 tion appeared — a plant of mignonette at my feet ! 



PiERis BRASsiciE, (^ (32 examined). 

 In fourteen a distinct though faint scent was detected ; in twelve the results 

 were doubtful ; in six they were negative. The scent in this butterfly was so slight 

 as to be difficult to detect ; in character it was agreeable, sweet, flowery and " clean." 

 It somewhat reminds one of the flower of rape, but a lady's suggestion of orris root 

 is better. 



PiEEis BRASSic^, ? (4 examined). 

 In two the results were negative, in two doubtful. 



Epinephele janira, cT (34 examined). 

 In four there appeared to be a very slight, somewhat pungent odour, suggesting 

 old cigar boxes ; thirteen were doubtful ; seventeen gave negative results. 



