2 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 



is a female nearly four inches in expanse. The males are also 

 large, measuring nearly three inches. The markings in all tlie 

 specimens are very clear and bright, tlie ground colour rather 

 light, not nearly so dark as some specimens I have from the 

 north of England. I believe all the larvae found were of the 

 same brood, all being on one large spreading sallow, and 

 nearly of the same size. 



NEW AND RARE BRITISH LEPIDOPTERA OBSERVED 

 DURING THE YEARS 1874, 1875, 1876. 



By John T. Carrington. 



Divisioxx I.— MACRO-LEPIDOPTEEA. 



Many were the cries of regret when, in an early month of 

 1874, the " last of the Annuals" appeared. That useful little 

 volume had been conducted by Mr. Stainton with such 

 vigour for twenty years, that we had come to look upon it 

 as an institution, and were selfishly inclined to grumble at its 

 discontinuance; although it had been carried on, I believe, 

 the whole time, at an actual financial loss. 



It is difficult to estimate what influence the death of the 

 'Entomologist's Annual' had upon British Lepidopterists; 

 but, so far as I am aware, there has not been a single Macro- 

 Lepidopleron added to the British fauna since its last issue. 

 I very much doubt whether such a thing has previously 

 happened during any like period in the present century. 

 What is the matter? Where are the Macro-Lepidopterists, 

 who are supposed to outnumber all other entomologists in 

 this country ? Perhaps the following reasons may have 

 something to do with the absence of new species. 



I have always observed that good seasons produce few 

 novelties ; it is the bad jears which are really best, when 

 we have to work hard to make a decent show of specimens 

 as autumn comes round. In those unfavourable years we are 

 glad to take anything, like beginners, who have proverbial 

 luck, and pass nothing with — " Oh, it's only that common 

 beast, so-and-so." I reluctantly, but, nevertheless, fear 

 1 must, accuse the majority of our Lepidopterists with 

 want of care and observation whilst out collecting. Again, 



