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



mens, the nervules dividing tlie transverse band of hind 

 wing especially exhibiting it, while it is altogether 

 absent from Bedford examples. The markings extending 

 from the base of discoidal cell to the apex of fore wing, in 

 their bluer hue, together with the generally darker ground 

 of the upper surface of the wings, and a distinctly bronzy 

 sheen on the under surface, appear to me to show a ten- 

 dency in these Kaffrarian specimens to vary in the direc- 

 tion of Junonia Amestris, Trimen, although the line of 

 demarcation shows material differences in form and colour. 

 I have, however, seen specimens in other collections, col- 

 lected over a wider area than those in my possession, which 

 appeared to me to bridge over this gulf; and it is curious 

 to note that while Mr. Trimen, in his Rhop. Afr. Aust., 

 notes the close relationship of these last species, I found 

 by correspondence, about the year 1868, that he was dis- 

 posed to doubt the close alliance between J. Pelasgis and 

 Archesia. Subsequent correspondence with that able 

 observer, Mrs. M. E. Barber, whose observations confirm 

 my views, and an examination of a long series of these 

 insects have, I believe, led Mr. Trimen to a somewhat 

 similar opinion. 



In fact, a hurried examination of a long series of Ju~ 

 nonias in the South African Museum in Cape Town in- 

 duces me to suspect that a separation into distinct species 

 of some forms is, at present, in the absence of complete 

 knowledge of the earlier stages and habits of these insects, 

 likely to result in vexation of mind and confusion of words 

 and their meanings. 



If collectors, instead of hunting with a hungry ambition 

 for new species, were systematically to collect extensive 

 series of well-known forms over large areas, -their re- 

 searches would result in most valuable knowledge as to 

 the external conditions which modify organic forms. The 

 disturbing conditions which large agricultural enterprises 

 must introduce are for the most part absent in some of 

 the wider continental areas of South Africa, South America 

 and Australia, and it is from such localities that we may 

 anticipate great results. 



It appears to me that the word " species" as applied to 

 insects and plants, which produce many offspring at a 

 time, in the presence of the extraordinary discoveries of 

 late years had better, so far as any definite meaning is 

 implied by it, remain in abeyance, or at all events be used 

 only in a provisional manner as an uncertain distinction 



