58 THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 



patch at the base of the fore wing; the six eye-like spots, 

 which 1 have described as forming a band parallel to the 

 hind margin, are obviously indicated, but very obscure; 

 a few dull ochreous scales are scattered over the under 

 surface of the hind wing. It was taken near Rochester, at a 

 time when the normal form of Galathea was flying in profusion. 



Earllness of the Season. — Owing to the extraordinary 

 mildness of the season, insects have been remarkably forward 

 in this locality, and have been met with in large numbers. 

 Sallows were fit for working by the end of February, and 

 produced the commoner Taeniocampae, as well as several 

 hybernated species. Many local species have also been 

 taken; such as A. Prodroniaria, commonly (appeared as 

 early as February 29th), T. Piniperda, T. Munda (both these 

 at sallows), X. Rhizolitha, X. Semibrunnea, L. Multislrigaria, 

 and this evening I found that P. Hippocastanaria had 

 appeared on the extensive heaths, lying between here and 

 Ringwood. — A. J. Spiller ; Wimhorne, Dorset^ March 11. 



Distinctive differences of the Females of Lye ten a Corijdon 

 and Adonis. — In ' Stainton's Manual' and in ' Newman's 

 British Butterflies' a difficulty is intimated in distinguishing 

 the females of these two species. I can hardly understand 

 this, as to my mind the difference is marked and constant. 

 In the female Corydon the fringe is cream coloured, and the 

 veins or wing-rays continuing through it are brown ; but in 

 the female Adonis the fringe is pure while, and the wing-rays 

 running through it black or blackish, not brown. In good 

 fresh specimens you cannot fail to discern the species at a 

 glance. — W. H. Tugivell ; 3, Lewisham Road, Greemvich, 

 March 1, 1872. 



Colias Hyale. — In 'Newman's British Butterflies' this 

 species is said to " deposit its eggs in the spring," after 

 hybernating. On the only occasion I had of testing this, the 

 eggs were deposited in August, and hatched in the middle of 

 September ; the larvae were about one-third fed by the end 

 of October. Unfortunately they died during the winter; so 

 that I have good proof that the eggs are not always spring- 

 laid.— /</. 



Posting Boxes. — In answer to Mr. Doncaster's enquiry 

 respecting insect-boxes for post, 1 think I can suggest a 

 remedy. Cooke's postal-boxes answer admirably, provided 



