CHAP TEE y 



THE DISTEIBUTIOiq^ OF ANIMALS 



The sketch now given of the broader features of the distribu- 

 tion of plants over the various parts of the earth's surface 

 will apply, with little modification, to the various classes of ani- 

 mal life, which, although having the power of locomotion, are yet 

 by the necessity of acquiring food and preserving themselves 

 from enemies, almost as strictly limited to definite areas as 

 are plants themselves. 



It will only be necessary to give a few facts to illustrate 

 this, for which purpose insects and birds afford the most in- 

 structive materials. We will begin with the Lepidoptera, or 

 Butterflies and Moths, in our own country and in a typical 

 county. The following data have been kindly furnished by 

 Mr. William Cole, F.L.S., Hon. Sec. of the Essex Eield 

 Club. 



Distribution of Lepidoptera 



Sq^Mfles. ^^''''''• 



Great Britain 87,500 2070 



Essex 1,530 1655 



In order to compare the numbers in a smaller area, I have 

 only materials for the Macrolepidoptera or Butterflies and 

 larger Moths. 



Sq^MHes. ^^'''''■ 



Great Britain 87,500 822 



Essex 1,530 620 



Epping Forest 10 428 



It is interesting to note here the curious correspondence 

 with the number of the flowering plants, which in the mean 

 of twelve counties was almost tlio same as the area in miles; 



89 



