3344 Insects. 



some of the most beautiful scenery to be found within twenty miles 

 of London. 



At Reigate you leave the main line, and take the Reading branch, 

 which runs through a most delightful country : on the left, open and 

 undulating ; on the right, with a range of chalk hills extending even 

 to your destination. At this point, on your left is Deepdene with its 

 woods, close to the town of Dorking ; on your right is Norbury Park 

 and Boxhill, in which direction I propose to lead you. The slope of 

 Boxhill produces many insects, and a dense grove of aged box trees 

 at its top affords a welcome shade to those who climb to it, and 

 whence a most charming prospect opens. About a mile from Box- 

 hill a lane leads to Headley, running along a valley ; on the left, a 

 range of chalk heights is clothed with a thick wood of beech and fir, 

 which gradually becomes more open as you advance, and then, for a 

 mile, there is 



•' a bank whereon the wild thyme blows, 



Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows ; " 



in fact the ground is literally covered with an infinite variety of plants, 

 including many species of Orchideae, and is the most prolific locality 

 in insects I ever saw. Just opposite a farm, a foot-path is cut on the 

 slope of the hill, and leads to "the hilly field," — the Ultima Thule 

 of my explorations, for I have always met with so many rarities in it 

 that I have had no opportunity of searching further. Looking back 

 ere this spot is reached, the scene, though confined, is of unmingled 

 beauty ; and when the setting sun, throwing its light on one side of 

 the valley, puts the other into shade, the panorama is glorious. Hav- 

 ing ascended the hilly field you arrive at Mickleham Downs, which 

 are mostly covered with juniper-bushes mingled with old yews, and 

 hence the slopes of Norbury appear to great advantage. It is said 

 that Windsor Castle maybe seen on the left ; it is certain that on the 

 right a constant cloud-canopy marks the locality of the great Babel. 



Following the descent of the down, close to the fence of a planta- 

 tion, you will arrive at a grove of firs, through which a path, continu- 

 ing to and through the church-yard of Mickleham, will bring you out 

 opposite the " Running Horse," a right good inn, where you may as- 

 suage the wants that will attend on the most etherial pleasures. If 

 the time of day will suit such a repast, you cannot do better than or- 

 der tea and broiled ham, for the latter of which the house is famous ; 

 and after discussing them you will be equal to anything. 



