eR i eel 
WYCOMBE BUTTERFLIES. 111 
unconscious instruments of what they perform, or that it is an in- 
nate quality given them by the great Creator for the propagation 
of their several species, their self-protection, and for the use of 
man. I conclude then that Reason is one of those faculties which 
relate to knowledge, as I have said, and therefore itis a mistake in 
the meaning or sense of the word when we differ in our opinion 
as to animals being possessed of Reason. It is very clear that 
the mind, to reason well, must be in possession of some previous 
knowledge, and reasons from that knowledge comparing ideas 
and notions. Can we, then, say that the little bird reasons 
from a previous knowledge when it builds its nest, when we know 
for certain that it had never seen a nest so constructed ? 
Newue Arty. 
Wycombe Duttertlies, 
Il—OUR ARGYNNIDZ (Fritillaries). 
HE colouring of these butterflies, though not so gorgeous as 
that of the Vanesside, is yet very rich in tone, and the sight of 
any of them on the wing will always incite the young naturalist 
to attempt a capture. They derive their common name from the 
fact of their resembling the flowers of Fritillaria Meleagris, both 
butterfly and blossom having the surface chequered with dark 
marks on a lighter ground. The under surface of the wings vies 
with the upper in beauty, being in most of the species washed 
with silvery streaks, or studded with spots of the same radiance. 
The presence or absence of these marks shows whether the species 
belong to the genus Argynnis or to Melitea. Of the latter we 
have no representatives in the neighbourhood, at least to my 
knowledge: the former contains six species, and of these I have 
seen three in the district, and Mr. Gaviller vouches for two others 
on Marlow Common.* 
* The reader will recollect that a ‘district’? is the area comprised 
within a radius of five miles from the Parish Church; I cannot now recol- 
lect whether Marlow Common falls within this area. [It does.—Ep.] 
