(C16 2) [xl, xli 
that birds do actually destroy butterflies in large numbers, but 
on the other hand most experienced collectors seem agreed 
that the sight of a bird even chasing a butterfly is of rare 
occurrence. One point, however, is frequently overlooked 
alike by the supporters and opponents of the Bates-Miiller 
theories, viz.—that it is not to be expected that any of the 
full-grown and experienced birds will be frequently observed 
catching butterflies, since they have already learned to avoid 
the distasteful species and incidentally their imitators. Only 
the young birds will attack and experiment with distasteful 
and edible kinds alike, and since on the one hand, young birds 
are notably retiring and inconspicuous and furthermore will 
speedily learn that butterflies are unprofitable prey, it is not 
to be wondered at that birds are not universally observed to 
be butterfly eaters. 
Many common occurrences in nature are exceedingly diffi- 
cult to observe, and it would seem at least possible that the 
destruction of butterflies by young birds is carried on to a far 
greater extent than would appear from casual observation. 
The evidence adduced by Professor Packard is to some extent 
contradictory, and whilst some of the observers assert that 
they have never seen butterflies attacked by birds, others 
again mention numerous cases of this form of destruction. 
Instances are given of butterflies being eaten by birds in 
North America, India, Ceylon, Burmah, Natal, ete., but it 
must be acknowledged that the evidence on this head, and 
upon which undoubtedly rest, to a great extent, the Bates- 
Miiller theories, is by no means so complete as is desirable for 
their thorough establishment. 
Professor Packard then proceeds to discuss the case of 
Anosia plexippus, which is usually considered to be a dis- 
tasteful species mimicked by Limenitis disippus. Evidence of 
the edibility or otherwise of Limenitis is wanting, but judging 
by the abundance of individuals and slow flight, it may be 
regarded as a protected genus. As regards Anosia plexippus, 
the evidence adduced certainly goes to show that the insect is 
distasteful, since in one case the insect was caught but not 
eaten, and in the second was refused with apparent signs of 
disgust after close inspection. The statement further adduced 
