316 [Decembei-, 



tricropti:ra observed in the exmoor district in autumn. 



BY ROBERT McLACHLAN, F.R.S., &c. 



The following notes will serve as a contribution to our know- 

 ledge of an English district previously unexplored for Trichoptera . 

 On September 15th, 1890, I arrived at Dunster (Somerset) at the 

 eastern end of Exmoor, where I met my friend Mr. H. S. Eaton, 

 and there stayed until the 25th. A few days later we were 

 joined by the Rev. A. E. Eaton, who remained until October 9th. 

 During this time the whole neighbourhood was tolerably well traversed, 

 including an ascent of Dunkery Hill (1700 feet), aiad other hills of 

 less altitude. The Rev. A. E. Eaton also explored the hills above 

 Porlock (further west) for part of one day. Moreover, Mr. 

 Stanley Edwards, of Blackheath, worked the vicinity of Lynton 

 (North Devon), near the western end of Exmoor, from August 8th \o 

 September 18th, and succeeded in taking 21 species, a larger number 

 than were observed to the east (notwithstanding that he was chiefly 

 occupied with another Order), which may perhaps partly arise from 

 the western end of the moor being more prolific, and partly from the 

 earlier period at which he commenced operations. These indications 

 will serve as notifying the observers, whose names will not be repeated 

 in the following list. It is believed that the list gives a tolerably 

 good idea of the species occurring at the season on the northern slopes 

 of the Exmoor watershed, for many whole-day excursions were made, 

 necessitating walks of many miles, and frequently by no means easy 

 going, due to the deep, densely wooded " combes " by which the dis- 

 trict is intersected. But it is possible that, owing to the mildness of 

 the climate, some very late autumnal species had scarcely appeared in 

 the perfect state. The experience gained reveals several interesting 

 and new points in the distribution of the English Triclioptera, but as 

 it only concerns those species that occur in, or last into, autumn, a 

 spring and summer record is yet wanted, in order to furnish anything 

 like a complete list of the Tricliopiera of Exmoor. The district is 

 noticeable as being the only one in England where xoUd red deer still 

 exist, and in large numbers ; blackcock abound, and the raven lingers 

 on, even in the vicinity of the villages. It was gratifying to me that 

 (with the single exception of a miserable jackdaw "crucified" on a 

 post) I saw no indication of indiscriminate and insensate destruction 

 of gamekeepers' so-called " vermin." 



LlMNOPHILID.ffi. 



Limnophilus lunatus, Curt. ; Dunster, stream on flat ground near the sea. L. 

 centralis, Curt., and vittatus, F. ; Lynton, one of each. 



