PREHISTORIC BOTANISTS. l j 



insect is one of the weevils, which are noted for their extensive 

 frontal development. 



I have also observed numbers of similar packets on alders, in 

 some instances every leaf upon a given branch serving as a wrap- 

 per or showing its bare stub, the ground beneath being strewn 

 with the tiny bundles. Neither do I know the author of these 

 packets, but would venture the assertion that this is an expert on 

 the alders as the other is on hazels. 



Touching beetles, there is that living gem faithful to the dog- 

 bane. What a pleasant surprise it was to discover this same 

 bright beetle on a mountain plant of Switzerland in my descent 

 from Righi Culm ! But no, on close examination it proved to be 

 a slightly distinct species, and, singularly enough, the food plant 

 so closely similar to the dog-bane in appearance as to leave no 

 doubt of its botanical alliance. 



There are a few small moths whose lives are interesting. Has 

 the reader ever paused in his country walks to examine the even- 

 ing primrose plant by day ? If not, it will well repay a careful 

 search among these faded cups of last night's whorl of blossoms. 

 They are still haunted by a constant friend of their gayer hours, 

 a small moth which hides within the wilted blossom, only the 

 nether tip of its wings appearing at the rim of the withering co- 

 rolla, now tinged with pink. 



It is the little noctuid of the evening primrose, the moth, ear- 

 liest among its twilight sippers, while it nestles compassionately 

 by day within the shattered cup, lending its mimetic yellow wings, 

 like added petals, to the drooping flower, sympathetic even to 

 their pale pink mottlings, the identical flush which often mantles 

 the fading petals among which they merge. 



The tiny caterpillar of this beautiful insect even now eludes 

 you among the leaves and green seed- pods of the plant, and you 

 may find it also on the crimson fire -weed and various other 

 plants of second choice all, however, in the same brotherhood of 

 CEnothera, the Primrose family. 



From Maine to Mexico another small noctuid, known as the 

 Cotton-moth, is found, its chosen haunt being indicated by its 

 is 



