124 BRITISH BUTTERFLIES. 



The caterpillar generally feeds on the elm, whence 

 the butterfly is occasionally called the " Elm Butterfly, 

 but it has also been found on the willow, and on tha 

 white beam-tree. Mr. Boscher of Twickenham informs 

 me that the specimens he has bred from caterpillars fed 

 on the willow have been all far below the average size. 

 The caterpillar is thorny, and of a tawny colour, broadly 

 striped with black along easb side. 



The chrysalis is of a dull flesh colour, with golden spots. 



The butterfly makes its appearance in J aly and August, 

 hibernated specimens being also frequently seen in the 

 spring, from March till May. 



In some places and seasons it is not rare, but is very 

 uncertain in its appearance, abounding most in the 

 southern districts, and being almost unknown in Scot- 

 land, It is fond of gardens and other frequented places. 



THE SMALL TOETOISESHELL BUTTERFLY 

 (Vanessa Vrticce.) (Plate IX. fig. 2.) 



THIS pretty species is much commoner than the last> 

 being, in fact, the most plentiful of all the genus, and 

 found everywhere, in gardens, by weedy road-sides and 

 waste grounds, &c. 



Its markings are very similar to those of the last, but 

 fche colouring i=j much more gay and brilliant. 



