1311.] 196 



With tlie exception of a female of the coininou Eamenrs ilnctor, 

 Christ, found in the " Rest house," and two Sphegids, Bembex medi- 

 terraneus, Spin., and Tachysj^hexfluctuatus, Gerst., both females, all my 

 captures were butterflies. Of the orange-tipped Teracolus ejihyia, 

 Klug, I took four males, in one of which I detected a sweet scent ; 

 a male Belenois mesentina, Cram., also had a sweet scent, which 

 was lacking in two females. Tarucns theophrastus, F., was in 

 abundance about bushes ; one at rest was seen to move its wings after 

 the manner common among Lycaenids. The take of the day was a 

 nice little series of seven males of Calopieris eulimine, Klug, four of 

 them in fine condition. This is not only a scarce, but a most beautiful 

 insect ; the orange-tips to its fore-wings are delicately shot with violet, 

 while the veins ontheimder-side of the hind- wings are brilliant orange. 



The White Nile. 



Feb. 16th— Feb. 20th, 1909. 



Unfortunately a projected journey as far as the Bahr-el-Grhazal fell 

 through, and I was able to carry out but a very short expedition, which, 

 nevertheless, was the most interesting part, of the whole tour. 



The steamer was very comfortable and the manager civility itself : 

 indeed so luxurious is travelling now-a-days that we were somewhat 

 disposed to grumble when the supply of ice failed ! Yet one might 

 well plead extenuating circumstances, for aerated water without ice is 

 apt to taste flat at 114° F. in the shade. It was, however, really 

 tantalizing to be five days in a country of such possibilities, and yet to 

 get in all less than twelve hours collecting. An entomologist ought, 

 if possible, not to be pressed for time, and he ought to travel in a 

 private steamer. 



On February 16th, when about 40 miles above Khartum, at 

 4.50 p.m., there being a gentle breeze from the westward, numerous 

 lady-birds coming from the eastward settled upon the ship All those 

 examined proved to be Coccinella ll-jni^ictata, L., a common Egyptian 

 species. The flight lasted a little over an hour and there must have 

 been himdreds of the beetles.* 



During the greater part of the way the steamer passed through 

 absolutely flat country elevated but little above the river. At this 

 stage interest centred on the number and variety of large birds. We 

 soon came to cranes — grey, demoiselle, and others — storks, ibis, herons ; 

 geese of several sorts ; ducks and teal innumerable. On low muddy 



* Proc. Eiit. Soc, Lond., lOOSl, j\ xxxii. 



