THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 15 



its small size and shrivelled condition prevents me from 

 pronouncing with any certainty. 



Hybernation of Bomhyx Ruhi and Quercus, Doubl. 

 (Entom. vi. 3). — I have known some entomologists put 

 themselves to a great deal of trouble to obtain fresh chick- 

 weed, dock, or other low-growing plants, for the benefit of 

 hybernating larvae of the above species. They will occa- 

 sionally nibble the leaves a little in mild weather, but I have 

 no doubt that such food is not necessary for them, as already 

 stated by Mr. Newman. Quercus, however, as I have 

 noticed, will continue to feed, even on to December, on such 

 leaves as are to be found on the oak, hawthorn, and hazel, 

 not rejecting those which are getting dry and withered. The 

 larvse of this species do not usually attain the same propor- 

 tions in the autumn as do those of Rubi, but begin feeding 

 again rather earlier ; and though, during the colder months 

 of the year, it is not necessary to supply green food, it is well 

 to do so in March, as the larvse seem desirous then to antici- 

 pate the appearance of leaves on the trees and shrubs they 

 afterwards frequent, and will indulge in a slight repast upon 

 the young regetation which the spring is drawing up from 

 the ground. An observer has recently stated that in his 

 experience some imprisoned larvae of Rubi entered the 

 earth during the winter. 1 fancy this must be an exceptional 

 case. The larvae of Quercus 1 have, certainly show no incli- 

 nation to do so, though several of them are extending 

 themselves upon the eartli at the bottom of the box in which 

 they are kept. For the most part, they prefer to place 

 themselves upon twigs, if such are obtainable; if not, they 

 will resort to any angles or prominences they can find, not 

 manifesting any particular tendency to draw together into 

 parties. Some which have been enclosed in a box, partially 

 composed of metal and glass, avoid these, and rest on the 

 woodwork. From time to time these larvae change their 

 positions slightly ; and these alterations might, perhaps, 

 prove good meteorological indications, were they watched 

 and compared with the weather. Few hybernating larvae 

 thrive well if they are too tenderly treated ; and entomologists 

 probably lose more in the winter from cosseting them than 

 from ex])osure. Damp, however, does seem, in various cases, 

 to be highly injurious. — J. R. S. Clifford. 



