156 SPOLIA ZEYLANICA. 
making this examination, and great experience in estimating 
the value of the characters observed, are necessary to form an 
opinion on the subject.”’ Iconfess that I have had no previous 
experience, but the sketches in the plates herewith are in 
nearly every case the result of the examination of.a large 
number of specimens. In no case was the sketch made from 
a single specimen. I am sending a set of my slides to the 
Colombo Museum, where any one interested can examine 
them. ‘They include all the Ceylon Hesperiide, with the 
exception of C. spilothyrus and G. albofasciata. When 
removed from the body and allowed to dry, the clasps almost 
invariably shrivel and curl up, thus entirely altering their 
outlines as seen under a microscope. I have, therefore, 
whenever possible, used perfectly fresh, undried specimens 
for my sketches. 
In cases where there are only slight differences between the 
prehensores of two forms, it is necessary to examine a large 
number of each, to ascertain if these differences are permanent, 
or only casual variations. For instance, with regard to 
Padraona dara, Messrs. Elwes and Edwards write that ‘‘ Mr. 
Edwards dissected fifteen specimens from different localities, 
and found considerable variation in degree, but no differences 
which can beregarded as specific.”” Lieutenant-Colonel Evans, 
in his Notes on Indian Butterflies (Journal of the Bombay Nat. 
Hist.Society, Vol.X XIIT., p.808),says that he examined twenty- 
three malesin his collection, and found that he had five species. 
I have dissected well over a hundred Ceylon specimens, and 
find two very distinct forms, which show no signs of grading, 
and extremely slight internal variation. (See Pl. 5, figs. 3, 4; 
5,and 6). I believe there is also a third form, but I have been 
unable, so far, to obtain sufficient specimens to prove that it 
is not merely a variety or seasonal form. (See PI. 5, figs. 7 
and 8). _ By the courtesy of Mr. F. Hannyngton, I.C.8., I have 
been able to dissect a few specimens from Coorg, and found 
two forms among them, which are quite distinct from anything 
I have seen in Ceylon. Apparently this group is split up into 
numerous local races, and, so far as my experience goes, the 
prehensores will be found a more constant and reliable means 
of separating them than the colouration of the wings. Similar 
