Insects. 2437 



searched. I hope this notice will be of use in turning the attention of some Lepidop- 

 terists to this interesting group ; and should they meet with any case-bearers in plenty, 

 I should be obliged by their forwarding me living specimens, as the case is frequently 

 of great use in determining species. — H. T. Stainton ; Mountsjield, Lewisham, 

 March 27, 1849. 



Interesting to Bee-keepers ; a Virgin Swarm. — The following unusual occurrence 

 transpired in a small apiary belonging to me, on Saturday, May 31st, 1845. On the 

 morning of the day mentioned above, a three years' old stock of bees threw off a large 

 swarm, which was put into an empty straw hive, rather less than the ordinary size, 

 and in the evening was placed on a stool in a south-western aspect ; the weather sub- 

 sequently being very fine and genial, and evidently suited to the fecundity of the 

 queen bee. For two days previous to the 12th of June the usual symptoms which 

 precede swarming were manifested ; and so late as five o'clock in the afternoon of 

 that day (a very unusual hour for swarming) — the heat very oppressive, and not a 

 breeze stirring — the swarm alluded to threw off a virgin swarm, containing about 

 41 lbs. of bees, to the great astonishment of the owner and other amateurs. This 

 seems extraordinary, considering that the bees had occupied their domicile but little 

 more than twelve days. Mr. Robert Huish, in his ' Treatise on the Practical 

 Management of Bees,' says, " There appears to be almost an impenetrable veil spread 

 over the operations of these insects, and it is that very mystery which makes the study 

 so interesting." Most certainly the occurrence above alluded to is calculated to excite 

 interest in the minds of many persons, as naturalists and others allow a longer time 

 for the propagation and perfection of a young queen as leader than the interval be- 

 tween the 31st of May and the 12th of June, and a still longer time for the perfection 

 of drones and working-bees. The author of this note, who has had more than thirty 

 years' practical experience amongst bees, ventures to suggest that a great many young- 

 bees were bred in the new domicile which came forth with the virgin swarm. The old 

 stock threw off a second swarm on the 10th of June, making an increase of three hives 

 of bees from the original stock in twelve days. All went on prosperously, and the 

 virgin swarm was as vigorous as any in his possession. The existence and conduct 

 of these insects in their government present phenomena which are peculiarly inte- 

 resting and instructive to persons curious in the prodigies of nature ; and it is curious 

 to reflect, in reference to these surprising insects, that science has been gradually 

 unlocking her stores, and the mists of prejudice have been dispersed by the pene- 

 trating rays of philosophy. The treasures of nature are inexhaustible, and there is 

 certainly no department in her vast domain in which curiosity and amusement are 

 more intimately blended than in the study of the bee. — John Green ; Melbourne, 

 Derbyshire, April 6, 1849. 



Captures of Coleopterous Insects in light sandy situations. — The northern portion 

 of Broadgate Park (situated about five miles from Leicester) rises into several bold 

 rocky ridges, whose rugged slopes are slightly covered with a loose, gritty, sandy soil, 

 supporting a light mossy-grassy vegetation, and covered here and there with clippings 

 of the slate rocks, which generally " crop out " at their summits. It was to the ex- 

 amination of these hills that I paid particular attention during the whole of last 

 year, and on their southern sides I captured the following : — 



Byrrhus sericeus. Very common, under stones, from March to September. 



Byrrhus fasciatus. Rare, under stones, July. 



VII P 



