( He) [xxix 
three-fourths, an adjustment of its position was in most cases 
made immediately, and after that the wings were raised over 
the back. In about twelve cases the orientation was perfect 
and the shadow a minimum ; in seven or eight cases the orien- 
tation was imperfect, with a maximum error of about 45°, but 
usually much less. 
“Feb. 25, Biskra. Watched one settle three or four times, 
always with a shadow near the minimum. 
“Only one specimen of P. meone was ever seen to settle 
facing the sun ; it did so three times, a fourth time turning its 
tail in the usual way. This was at Biskra on March 5th, and 
I noted at the time that the sun was not shining strongly. 
Two only were observed to settle with the axis of the body at 
right angles to the sun. One of these appeared to be crippled 
in the legs, since it alone always sat on one side. <A third 
specimen, feeding on laurustinus flower in the Chabet Gorge 
on March 18th, did not appear to orient itself by the sun. 
“Tn conclusion, except early in the day, or when the sun is 
dull, or when feeding on flowers, P. meone settles with the axis 
of the body turned so that its tail points more or less accurately 
to the sun, therefore when the wings are raised, in the attitude 
of repose (as is more common towards the afternoon), the 
shadow is reduced to insignificant dimensions. 
‘* Pyrameis cardui, L., is an abundant butterfly in Algeria. 
It is not so easy to watch as P. meone, for it is a strong flier 
and much more wary ; moreover, many of the specimens were 
seen in exposed places during windy weather, Nevertheless, 
I can say confidently that it generally settles with its tail to 
the sun, though it does not do this with the regularity of 
meone. I saw two specimens turn their faces to the sun, and 
saw a third settle twice with its body axis at right angles, 
though the third time it settled normally. The first two 
freshly emerged specimens, at Hammam RP’ihra, March 25th, 
‘did not orient as well as those that had hybernated. 
“These observations confirm those of Professor G. H. Parker 
on Vanessa antiopa, L., and on a Grapta in the United States,* 
and supply a reason for the habit that does not appear to 
have occurred to him, namely, concealment when in repose.” 
* Referred to Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond., 1905, p. 136. 
