CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 91 



question at once presents itself, viz. what is the effect on the colonrs 

 of specimens? I have made several experiments to ascertain this, and 

 can return a satisfactory answer in all cases except greens. Several 

 species of Coleoptera have been 2^ainted with the solution, and no 

 alteration could be detected in any except Cicindela compestris ; this 

 was slightly darkened in colour, but the vapour in a dilute form does 

 not even effect this. The following species of Lepidoptera, among 

 others, were subjected to a strong dose of the vapour: — Go»optenjx 

 rliamni, Anthocharis cardamiyies, Lyccsna icarus, Melitcea athalia, Arctia 

 caia, Orgyia antiqna, O. gonostigma, Hepialus velleda, Euchelia jacohcea, 

 Hemithea atrigata. There was not the slightest alteration visible in any 

 except the last named, which was distinctly darkened. The precaution 

 must therefore be taken of removing green Lepidoptera before applying 

 the reagent. Formalin has the advantages of being cheap and readily 

 procurable ; it is not a strong poison, and although the vapour has an 

 irritating effect on the eyes and mucous membrane, it is quite harmless 

 and hardly noticeable in the quantity which it is necessary to use ; an 

 occasional sneeze when examining one's collection will alone remind 

 us of its presence. It has no appreciable action on pins, in the form 

 of vapour. — W. S. Gilles ; Bocking, Braintree, Essex. 



CAPTURES AND FIELD REPORTS. 



CoLiAS HYALE IN 1899. — A friend of mine has just given me a fine 

 male specimen of C. hyale, which he took near Ashford on August 3 let 

 last. I think it must have been a stray specimen. — S. A. Blenkarn ; 

 Clifton House, East Dulwich Road, Jan. 18th, 1900. 



Sphinx convolvuli in 1899. — During last season I captured twenty 

 specimens of 8. convolvuli here. These were taken between August 25th 

 and September '-iOth. The weather here was unfavourable for this insect, 

 which probably accounts for none being seen after the latter date. — John 

 P. Hyde ; The Grove, Portland, Jan. 20th, 1900. 



Karly Occurrence of Anisopteryx ^scularia. — This evening, 

 January 23rd, a Geometer flew to light at my dining-room window at 

 half-past nine. I went outside, just for the pleasure, as I thought, of once 

 more seeing Hybernia rupicapraria, vrhen, to my surprise, I discovered 

 the moth to be A. ascularia. During the many years I have kept a look- 

 out, I have been able to record no earlier date than February 6th, just a 

 fortnight later than in the present instance. It has been exceptionallv 

 mild all day (the thermometer standing at 50°), a fact which no doubt 

 accounts for this premature emergence. — (Rev.) Gilbert H. Raynor; 

 Hazeleigh Rectory, Maldon, Essex, Jan. 23rd, 1900. 



^scHNA cyanea. — This dragonfly was apparently very abundant 

 during the last summer (1899). Though I observed many specimens 

 flying about, I only secured two: one taken on glass in the green- 

 house; and the second flying in through the verandah doors ami over 

 the dinner-table was there promptly bottled. These seem unusual visits 

 for such insects. There is little water at this somewhat high elevation 

 (clay), save a few small ponds; and I have previously reported the species 



