266 Mr. J. P. M. Weale on the variation of 



the size, luxuriance and form of the foliage ; in the length, 

 colour and number of spines ; being in some localities 

 nearly spineless, while in other localities the spines often 

 measure over 7 inches in length. The size of the glands 

 on the petioles, which are very attractive to some insects 

 on account of their secretions, also varies. The bark 

 differs in texture and colour, being sometimes pale grey, 

 sometimes almost black, and generally a rich raw-sienna 

 colour ; sometimes smooth, and at other times extremely 

 rough. The number and kinds of insects, which avail 

 themselves of protective resemblances in like manner vary, 

 while the many-coloured and brilliant Cetoniidce and allied 

 beetles, which frequent the blossoms, differ in the different 

 districts ; the same is also noticeable in the Buprestidce. 



In some districts allied forms supplant partially this 

 plant, and have been described as specifically distinct; 

 this is especially noticeable in the neighbourhood of the 

 Kei River. Various species of Z,oranthace(B in different 

 districts are parasitic on this plant, and their flowers are 

 highly attractive to some insects, at times, when the 

 Acacia itself is out of blossom. 



Many of the CapparidecB in like manner replace each 

 other, and I believe the larvse of Eronia Cleodora and 

 some Callosunes, the species of which are very variable, 

 feed on different forms. 



I have noticed that in very dry seasons the larv^ of 

 some Lepidoptera, which usually feed on particular plants, 

 devour indiscriminately the leaves of plants belonging to 

 most dissimilar orders apparently without any bad effects. 

 Thus, in February of this year, I noticed a conspicuous 

 heterocerous caterpillar which usually feeds on Sideroxylon 

 inerme, devouring the foliage of Schotia speciosa, Cap- 

 jDoris Zeyheri, Acacia horrida, and of a species of Rhus. 

 Some very widely-ranging species are noticeable for this 

 peculiarity, and in dry seasons this adaptability must be a 

 powerful aid to them in the struggle for existence. The 

 larva of Danais Chrysippus devours the foliage of most 

 of the Asclepiadece. Those of Pyrameis Cardui live on 

 several Urticacece ; and although undoubtedly a feeder on 

 native plants, I have hitherto found the larvas of Ismene 

 Jlorestan only on the foliage of Rohinia pseud-acacia, an 

 American tree. 



Roughly speaking, the flora of the Cape Colony may 

 at present be divided as follows : — 



(1) The flora of the western districts ; (2) the flora of 



