116 [May, 



NOTES FROM THE STROUD DISTRICT (OLOS.). 

 BY C. NICHOLSON, F.E.S. 



The following notes and observations on insects seen and taken 

 during five visits to the above district during the years 1912 to 1916 

 may be of some interest. In 1912, 1913, and 1914, the period was 

 roughly the last week in July and first week in August; in 1915 it 

 was from June 19tli to July 3rd ; and in 1916 from June 29tli to July 

 8th. On all five occasions the weather was somewhat mixed, both 

 as regards temperature and rain, the last one being probably the worst 

 in both respects, and all the worse for that because it was only ten days 

 instead of a fortnight. There were, however, many respectably warm 

 days, and some decidedly hot — especially in 1912, 1913, and 1914. In 

 1915 there was one slight frost, and most of the nights and early 

 mornings were distinctly chilly. These remarks apply, of cotu'se, to 

 the period when I was there, and not to the whole year in each case. 



As 1912 was my first visit to the district, and Mr. C. J. Watkins 

 of Painswick was no longer with us to give me hints, I had to forage 

 for myself in finding out localities and the best way to work tliem. I 

 spent a good deal of time exploring the neighbourhood, including one 

 or two trips to "the cities of the plain," Cheltenham and Grloucester. 

 The scenery consists mainly of rolling limestone hills and downs, rising 

 to some 800 or 900 feet, with deep valleys, plenty of springs and 

 streams, and a good sprinkling of woods and plantations. The latter, 

 however, are principally larch, pine, and young beech, and are 

 disappointing from the entomological standpoint. The upland flora is 

 practically the same as that usually characteristic of the chalk and 

 limestone, whilst that of the valleys and streams is alluvial. On the 

 whole, I can thoroughly recommend the district to the notice of 

 naturalists, and as it is invigorating and dry, so far as the climate is 

 concerned, and easy of access from London — in normal times — it is a 

 good place for a summer holiday for those entomologically inclined. I 

 myself did not stay at Stroud, but at a quaintly picturesque little 

 village called Pitchcombe, midway between Stroud and Painswick, and 

 it may be as well to say that more attention was paid to " the other 

 orders " than to the Lepidoptera ; hence the paucity of my notes con- 

 cerning the latter. 



On my first visit I found Mehinargia galatea more or less common 

 on all the grassy downs and rough ground in the district, and to one 

 who had previously seen that butterfly only in the form of an odd 



