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Genus VANESSA. 



The insects referred to this genus, which is well 

 known as having many handsome representatives in 

 Britain, are distributed over almost every quarter of 

 the globe. Besides those which occur in this coun- 

 try, many others are found on the continent of 

 Europe, and they are equally abundant in tropical 

 regions. Contrary to what is observed in most 

 other instances, the species inhabiting the latter are 

 in general not superior in size or richness of colours 

 to those of temperate latitudes; our own V. Ata- 

 lanta will contrast favourably with any of them. 

 Among the few exceptions to this remark, in respect 

 to size, may be mentioned V. Arsinoe and the rare 

 species figured on the adjoining plate. The latter is 



