Geogriiphicid Fdclor in Mimicrj/. 211 



patch on the hind-wing of the Huj'hina with a similar patch 

 on the fore-wing of the Mynes. This, like the position, 

 with regard to the yeins, of the streaks on the fore -wing 

 of the Lonibok butterflies, provides a further illustration 

 of a principle frequently to be observed in mimicry; viz, 

 that the mimetic assimilation aims only at the general 

 effect of the resemblance, and is apt to ignore considerations 

 of mere homology. 



As to the cause and mode of origin of these startling 

 likenesses, every one nmst interpret the facts as he sees 

 fit. It is doubtless the case that more data are wanted 

 before the question can reach a final settlement. I would 

 only plead that m all attempts at a solution, account must 

 be taken of the geographical factors. And it does not 

 seem to me possible to bring instances like the present 

 under such headings as that of the common colouring shared 

 by tlie uduibitants of desert areas or of the arctic snow- 

 fields. Nor is it easy to imagine any external conditions 

 of soil or climate which could directly bring about a common 

 scheme of colouring like that of the three New Guinea 

 butterflies, or of the pairs and triads from India and the 

 Malay islands resijectively which are slujwn on Plate VI. 

 For my own part I confess that I am still of ophiion that 

 adaptation is at the bottom of the matter; and in spite 

 of nnicli adverse criticism I find it hard to resist the con- 

 viction that in the theory of warnhig colours shared between 

 comparatively distasteful, or deceptively adopted by com- 

 paratively palatable forms, we have by far the most probable 

 explanation as yet advanced. 



Explanation of Plate VI. 



[See Ex'plaiuUiun facing the Plate.] 



