GENERAL NOTES. : 169 
the fly placed at about one third of the length of the pin from 
the head. Boxes may be sent to the care of the Secretary of the 
Entomological Society, Chandos Street, Cavendish Square, Lon 
don. Small flies may be placed between folds of linen and sent 
in a box by post, direct to Baron Osten Sacken. The address 
and stamps should be on a luggage label tied to the box, and 
not on the box itself. 
NOTE ON THE OCCURRENCE OF ENGLISH BUTTERFLIES 
IN NEW ZEALAND.—During the summer of 1881, I observed in 
the Botanic Garden several butterflies which at first sight I took 
to be the “New Zealand Red Admiral” (Pyramets gonerilla), 
but as one of them settled near, I felt convinced that it belonged 
to a species distinct from the beautiful insect which we recog- 
nise by that name, and which for several seasons past has been 
so plentiful in Wellington. The differences of the markings are 
very noticeable, as is seen at a glance when the two species are 
placed side by side. I managed to capture one specimen. On 
examination it proved to be the “ English Red Admiral,” or 
“ Alderman Butterfly,” which, though ‘presenting a general re- 
semblance to our New Zealand species, is nevertheless quite dis- 
tinct ; and is known to English entomologists as Vanessa ata- 
tanta. 
I made several trips to the Gardens in the hope of obtaining 
more specimens, but although on two occasions examples were 
seen, contrary to their habit in the old country, they proved so 
exceedingly shy that capture was impossible. However, speci- 
mens were procured of another English species. It belongs to 
the same genus as the last, and, if smaller, is yet very remark- 
able for the beauty of its colours. In England it is known to 
the general public by the name of the “ Small Tortoise-shell,” 
and to the scientific world as Vanessa urtice. 
These butterflies are too well known to all who have lived 
long in England to need any description here, and for those 
who have not been so fortunate, there happily exist good .des- 
criptions and drawings in various works of reference in our 
libraries. They are merely noticed now so that what is believed 
to be the first appearance of English species in New Zealand, or 
at least in Wellington, may be placed on record. 
The importation of plants and seeds from various countries 
is now so extensive that it is almost certain numerous insects, 
some useful, some injurious, will be brought into the Colony. In 
order, therefore, that the noxious forms may be more speedily 
detected, and that confusion may not hereafter arise in our 
“lists” and “catalogues,” it is important that the appearance in 
a district of any uncommon or foreign form should be carefully 
noted. Dy W, KIRK. 
ON AN ABNORMALLY-COLOURED SPECIMEN OF PETROICA 
ALBIFRONS (Gray), Myioscopus albifrons (Gml.).—May 19, 
