BRITISH BUTTERFLIES 



that there is much diversity among them. One or 

 two are now seen to be almost black in colour and 

 velvety in texture. These are males, and have just 

 recently emerged from the chrysalis. The female of 

 this butterfly are always more highly adorned with 

 orange, and in some of them this colour is spread over a 

 large portion of the wings. In some respects the very 

 fresh male meadow browns are similar to the ringlet, 

 which is sometimes almost as numerous on the bramble- 

 blossoms. The former butterfly may however be 

 readily distinguished by the orange ring around the 

 white-eyed black spot at the tip of the fore wing. 

 Presently the butterflies close their wings over 

 heir backs, and then the undersides are exposed to 

 view. We now see that the ringlet has the wings orna- 

 mented with eight yellowish ringed black spots, and 

 it is from these markings that the insect receives its 

 name. 



Leaving the lane, a pathway is taken which leads 

 through cornfields to the downs. Having passed the 

 fields we come upon a broad strip of rough sloping 

 ground with a tall thick hedge separating it from the 

 downs proper. Here are butterflies in abundance, but 

 the majority of them are white or creamy white, 

 with blackish markings. These are the marbled whites, 

 and it will be noted that our presence in their midst 

 does not greatly alarm them. As we approach they 



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