110 



Genus PONTIA. 



This geuus comprehends the white butterflies, 

 which are so common in gardens, and which are 

 so well known for the depredations they commit 

 in their caterpillar state, on cabbages and other ole- 

 raceous plants. The species are by no means nu- 

 merous, but they are so prolific, that even in those 

 seasons which are most unfavourable to the increase 

 of insects, we seldom fail to see them flitting about 

 in every transient gleam of sunshine. Till lately, 

 our native species were not thought to exceed three, 

 but an indefatigable naturalist, who has laboured most 

 successfully in elucidating the entomology of Bri- 

 tain, has described four others, which he regards as 

 distinct, and which he names P. Chariclea, Metra, 

 Napaece, and BryonicB. "It yet remains to be seen, 

 however," says the Rev. W. T. Bree, " whether, in 

 the judgment of entomologists in general, these early 

 whites (as they are termed), will eventually maintain 

 their place as genuine and distinct species. For my- 

 self, I may say that I have not been unobservant of 

 these insects for some years past, and have more par- 

 ticularly attended to them during the spring and 

 summer of the present year ; and as far as my obser- 

 vations go, they lead me to the conclusion, that P. 

 Chariclea and Metra are mere varieties respectively 



