THE ENTOMOLOGIST, 159 



The season promises good captures. T took a fine specimen of 

 Xylomiges conspicillaris in Gower (South Wales) last month. 

 Amphydasis prodromaiia has been very plentiful around 

 this town. Macaria alternata occurred a year or two ago in 

 two localities around here ; and in 1865 Colias Edusa literally 

 swarmed at Orchard Wood ; and Colias Hyale appeared 

 singly. Vanessa Polychloros occurs annually; and a fine 

 specimen of Vanessa Antiopa was taken near Bridgwater some 

 two years since. I took Sphinx Convolvuli last season ; and 

 a friend of mine took Cymatophora ocularis. I have written 

 this chiefly on account of Mr. Corbin's paper; and should 

 this meet the eye of any entomologists coming in the neigh- 

 bourhood I should be most happy to give them further 

 information ; or if you require a list of the insects of Somer- 

 setshire, I should be most happy to furnish it. — Frederic 

 Slatisell ; 45, Alma Street, Taunton, Somerset, June 13, 1875. 



[I shall feel obliged for such a list, but cannot promise its 

 insertion at present. In no case can I admit mere names. 

 They must be accompanied by dates, localities, and other 

 interesting circumstances. — Edward Newman.^ 



Bait for Apatura Iris. — In very good seasons this beau- 

 tiful butterfly frequents a wood in the neighbourhood; 

 but to catch it on the wing is, as all know, a very 

 diflSciilt task, owing to the strength and swiftness of its 

 flight. Several plans have been suggested for luring it into 

 the net: amongst others that of throwing a stone or piece of 

 tin into the air, which the pugnacious insect is said to chase 

 on its descent, thus being brought within reach; then there 

 is that of nailing a dead animal to a tree or paling near its 

 haunts, — and this latter is reported to have been eminently 

 successful, but my own experience has been the reverse ; 

 and my reason for now writing is to ask you, and other 

 entomologists whose labours may have been attended with 

 more fortunate results, kindly to give me a hint or two. My 

 brother has taken from time to time several specimens flying, 

 principally females. One male he caught feeding on some 

 excrementitious matter with great avidity; but never have 

 the dead animals possessed any attraction. — Joseph Ander- 

 son, jun.; Alresford, Hants. 



[1 shall be delighted to record the experience of others. 

 Although I have said so much about the capture of this 



