EIGHT MONTHS' COLLECTING IN THE SEYCHELLES ISLANDS, 1908—1909 39 



Further search also might well be made in the forest on the islands of Fdlicite and Marie 

 Anne. 



My stay in Seychelles extended through most of the year. From July till the end 

 of September it fell within the season of the south-east wind, the coolest and least wet 

 portion of the year : and it included the calmer, hotter, and often wetter, months from 

 October to March. But I missed April, May, and June, when there is, as I am informed, 

 an extremely hot and calm period preceding the commencement of the south-east wind : 

 it is possible that careful search might reveal the existence of some special forms of insect- 

 life appearing only at that season. The work of collecting allowed me scarcely any 

 leisure for examining into the life-histories and habits of the native insects : therefore it 

 is hardly necessary to add that in this direction a big field of enquiry lies almost untouched. 



Lastly, it is a great pleasure to me to express my gratitude for the kindness of 

 the many people in the Seychelles, who have aided me in my task in different 

 ways. I am especially indebted to the Governor of the Colony, His Excellency W. E. 

 Davidson, C.M.G., for many facilities granted to me in my work, particularly in the 

 matter of passing from one island to another. I have already stated, in connection with 

 particular localities visited, how much I owe to Mr H. P. Thomasset, and to Monsieur 

 E. Dauban. My best thanks are also due to Mr R. P. Dupont, Curator of the Botanic 

 Station in Mahe, for acting as my guide and companion on more than one occasion, and 

 for much valuable information about the local flora : and to Mr H. A. Pare, Mr de Gaye, 

 and others who in various ways have contributed to render delightful my whole sojourn 

 in the Seychelles. 



