222 THE BUTTERFLY VIVARIUM. 



a particular instance, the pretty species Neurobasis 

 Chinensis may be cited, the anterior wings of 

 which are of a pale transparent brown, while the 

 posterior ones are of the richest metallic purple, with 

 the exception of a large blotch of rich solid brown 

 at the tip. In some cases, whether from difference 

 of sex, difference of species, or mere accidental va- 

 riety in the males, the purple portion of the wing 

 is green, of the same dark, rich kind as that of my 

 specimen of C. Virgo previously mentioned. 



To return to our native Dragon-flies. I must re- 

 mark, though I have not space to enumerate eachspe- 

 cies,that after the genus Calopteryx come the small 

 slender-bodied, and delicately-winged kinds, many 

 of which are as beautiful as those already described, 

 and well worthy of study. The most beautiful 

 exotic example of this section of the family I have 

 ever seen is a solitary specimen in the British 

 Museum, from the Paver Amazon. It is of the 

 very smallest kind, not above an inch across the 

 wings from tip to tip, but its gorgeous colouring 

 makes ample amends for its diminutive size. It has the 

 anterior wings transparent, like the Chinese species 

 mentioned, but the hind-wings are a perfect blaze 

 of brilliant hues, varying with every new play of the 

 light. The generally prevailing effect, however, is, 



