18 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 



observed plentifully, while a blue form with segments 3 and 

 4 of the abdomen of a normal straw colour was not uncommon 

 in Hertfordshire during July. It is worthy of note that a blue 

 female was taken at Capel Curig, Carnarvonshire, on June 28th, 

 and this specimen was distinctly immature, showing that the 

 blue coloration is not always due to age. 



As described for Lestes sponsa and Pyrrhosoma tenelliim, this 

 insect also was attracted by Somatoclilora metallica, but in no 

 case did the larger insect make an attack on the smaller ones, 

 but showed considerable restlessness. 



It is to be hoped that next year observations will be made to 

 carry out several of the few problems mentioned in the course of 

 my paper. Not the least important will be a second record of 

 S. metallica from Sussex. It is to be hoped that the latter will 

 not fail, although one would necessarily expect a reaction after 

 this year's good fortune. 



A FEW NOTES ON THE DIUENI AT LA BOURBOULE 

 (PUY DE DOME) DURING JUNE, 1909. 



By R. M. Prideaux, F.E.S. 



The butterflies observed in this locality were very scanty, 

 both as to species and specimens ; this disappointing condition 

 of things being, no doubt, largely due to the deplorably wet and 

 cold weather that prevailed here (as elsewhere) during the 

 month, and which, to all appearance, in this district had been 

 preceded by nearly as unfavourable conditions earlier in the 

 season. 



The writer's time and energies also were considerably re- 

 stricted by the medical treatment for the benefit of which 

 the place was primarily visited, though it must be admitted 

 that rambles further afield from the small town of hotels, of 

 which la Bourboule consists, on to the hills, bare and wooded, 

 which enclose it were, even when attempted, by no means 

 encouraging. 



On the whole, the lush, damp hay-fields bordering or near 

 the river Dordogne, which runs from Mont Dore (where it rises) 

 through la Bourboule, were found to be most prolific in butterfly 

 life, though, compared with a Swiss valley at a similar eleva- 

 tion — about 3800 ft. — these meadows were barren indeed. 



The bare, rather closely cropped, steep mountain pastures, 

 on which species of broom were in fine flower during the month, 

 produced few specimens, even of the commonest species. 



The following is a list of the species observed : — 



Carcharodus alcea, Esp. — One rather worn and diminutive speci- 

 men, June 7th, in "la Fenesti-e," a small park close to the town, 



