1872.] 137 



lower sides is the sole semblance of a valid objection to it ; and that this objection 

 seems much more than counterbalanced by the infinitely better and safer condition 

 and capability of manipulation and transmission of carded specimens, the natural 

 facies of which (especially of Malacodermata, Brachelytra, &c.) can only be eo 

 preserved, by their freedom from the initial distortion and damage and subsequent 

 (often speedy) destruction by verdigris consequent on pinning, and by the much 

 better view that is thereby obtainable of the proportions and structure of limbs 

 (for it is quite a mistake to suppose that minute characters escape observation in 

 carded beetles : Mr. WoUaston, the introducer and constant employer of the system, 

 cannot well be accused of omitting to notice anything). As regards mere facies, I 

 hope my colleague will pardon a rash opinion, not founded on practical acquaintance, 

 that, in a series of each species, a smgle carded specimen of one of the smaller objects 

 of his study, mounted by a competent hand, seems to me more likely to preserve the 

 semblance of nature than the usual shrivelled and distorted pinned examples which 

 may more readily exliibit (when you can get to see them) minute structural details. 



In this country, with its comparatively small amount of insect life, there seems 

 little doubt that carding is the best method for preserving beetles : in more prolific 

 regions, it might not be worth while to piu'sue it, on account of the slight extra 

 waste of time entailed by it. But, so far from the practice being on the wane, as 

 my colleague thinks, it is apparently on the increase. In the last two parts of 

 ' L'AbeiUe,' M. de Marseul publishes copious directions by MM. Meyer-Diir and 

 Leprieur for mounting insects on card, accompanied by an able exposition of the 

 benefits thereby accruing ; though, ciu'iously enough, tragacanth does not appear to 

 be known to either of those gentlemen, nor do they seem to be aware of the long 

 space of time dm-ing which the system has been in use elsewhere. 



I do not know where my colleague often sees carded Carabi. English Coleop- 

 terists generally draw the line at Sarpalus or thereabouts. — Id. 



Vanessa Antiopa in Dumfries-shire. — On Satiirday afternoon, 31st August, when 

 turning the corner at the enti y of the grounds here, a large butterfly flew up from 

 the grass, almost from under my feet, causing me to start back, and the next moment 

 I recognised it as Antioj^a. It flew up and away very swiftly and strongly (indeed, 

 a strong wind was blowing at the time), yet I had time not only to see that it was 

 the Camberwell Beauty, but that it was worn and in bad condition. — D. Shaep, 

 Thoruhai, Dumfries : September ZOth, 1872. 



Vanessa Antiopa near Colchester. — About a dozen specimens of V. Antiopa 

 have been captiu-ed hereabouts, and several others have been seen. I captured two 

 imder pear trees, and four others were captured under other pear trees close by the 

 same spot. Two were taken on a fig tree attracted by the ripe fruit. Three or four 

 have been captured by boys and working men, who have maltreated them grievously. 

 One was brought me with a thorn thrust through the thorax ; another in a basket 

 with a log of wood upon it to keep it quiet ; and two were discovered nailed up on a 

 shoemaker's door by a man who works for me. Sleepy pears seem to possess especial 

 channs for them. — W. H. IIaeWood, St. Peter's, Colchester : September 19th, 1872. 



Occurrence of Vanessa Antiopa again near Eltham. — My unentomological friend, 

 who captured the Vanessa Antiopa recorded in last month's Magazine, secured 



