JUNE. 219 



to the celebrated Baobab of Adanson, or the Cypress of 

 DecandoUe^ both of which are believed to be nearly as old as 

 the deluge ? The former is in Senegal, the latter in 

 Mexico. 



C. — Does a tree invariably die when it is cut down ? 



F. — Oh no : the stump often sends out fresh shoots, 

 which are remarkable for the vigour of their growth, and for 

 the great size of their leaves. I have seen an ash stump 

 throw out a shoot six feet long in a single season, with the 

 leaflets eight inches in length ; and maples in a similar pro- 

 portion, with leaves near a foot in diameter. These fresh 

 shoots and suckers often cause the farmer much trouble, by 

 springing up in ground that he has cleared. If deprived of 

 their leaves in July or August, however, the stock will die ; 

 and so it will if the tree be cut down at that season. Very 

 large trees do not usually send out new shoots after being 

 cut down, under any circumstances, or at any season. 



C. — Butterflies of several kinds are now numerous on 

 sunny days, especially about the borders of the woods ; but 

 very few are to be found actually within the forest. I have 

 noticed the appearance of several new species ; the first of 

 which was the Pearl-crescent Fritillary (MelitcEa Tharos), 

 a pretty little fly, with the tawny wings marked with yellow 

 and black ; the female differs so much from the male that I 

 took it for a distinct species, till further observation showed 

 me their identity. A rather pretty little Skipper, the Che- 

 quered Skipper, (Pamphila Paniscus ?) has also appeared, 

 but I have taken only a single specimen. 



F. — It is very rare. 



C. — Another species would be perhaps the most splendid 

 butterfly we have, if its size corresponded with its beauty : 

 I mean the Small Copper (hyccBna Phleas) which now occa- 

 sionally flits about the roads. The richness of the glowing 

 flame-coloured wings is worthy of admiration, and the under 



L 2 



