81 



fine hot summer, and one which produced Hyale in more than usual abun- 

 dance, and very favourable to the production of insect life. Of 1842, the 

 Rev. W. T. Bree writes, ' Mr. Le Plastrier informs me that they had no 

 Clouded Yellows last summer about Dover, except Hyale, where, in certain 

 seasons, they are to be seen in considerably plenty." The White butterflies 

 were particularly abundant that year. 



In 1843, it was abundant again, and it was also very common in 1844, as 

 was also Hyale. 



In 1845, it was particularly scarce, and none were recorded in 1846 a 

 good year for Antiopa. 



It was scarce in 1847, but one was taken in the Isle of Arran (first in 

 Scotland), once recorded in 1848, none in 1849 and 1850, one in 1851, 

 scarce in 1852, and none recorded in 1853 and 1854. 



It was common in 1855 and 1 856, very common in 1857, one being taken 

 as late as the 18th of November, and also very common in 1858, especially 

 in June, but still taken as late as November 7th. 



In 1859, a year with a fine hot summer, it was very abundant all over 

 England, but Hyale, which was common in 1857 and 1858, was very scarce; 

 it was, however, a good year for the Sphingida or Hawk-moths. 



It was very scarce in the cold sunless years of 1860, 1861, 1862, & 1863. 



It was common in the fine seasons of 1864 and 1865. 



Several were taken in 1867, 1868, a year with a particularly hot summer, 

 the great season for Hyale and the Sphingida, and in 1869. 



It was very scarce in 1870, a fine year, and probably the driest of the 

 present century. 



It was only once recorded in 1871, and was not common in 1872, the 

 great year for Antiopa. 



In 1873, not a specimen appears to have been taken, and very few in 1874. 



It was common again in 1875 and 1876. 



Now comes its great year 1877, in which it appeared in greater numbers 

 than it had ever been known to do before, occurring in many places where it 

 was previously unknown, as for instance the Orkney Isles. Several of the 

 white variety Helice, were also taken that season. Although so abundant in 

 Britain that year, it was very scarce on the Continent. 



One of the grandest sights I ever saw in my life, was on a little undercliff 

 to the East of Lulworth Cove, on the 5th of September, 1877. On this 

 undercliff grows a mass of Inula Critkmoides, then in full bloom ; below is 

 the clear blue water of Weymouth Bay, unruffled by a ripple. Every one of 

 its yellow flowers was literally covered with one, two, or more of Coliaf 

 edusa, with its white variety Helice, Cardui, Atalanta, Rapa, lo, Phalas, 



