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THE YOUNG NATURALIST. 



Excelsior, higher, may refer either to its rapid growth, considerable height, 

 or the great esteem in which it is held. The common name "ash," from 

 the Anglo-Saxon cesc, a pike or spear, has already been explained. Another 

 derivation is from the hue of the young twigs, a light grey, the colour of 

 ashes. The Gaelic name is " nuin," "fuinnseann" which seem to have 

 reference to enchantments in which it was used. And in connection with 

 snakes and vipers, the Celtic " asc" a snake or adder, would be a probable 

 derivation of the common name ash. 



JOTTINGS FROM GLASGOW. 



By JOHN MACKAY. 



A few remarks on the entomological season in this district may interest 

 your English readers, when compared with their own notes and observations. 



Beginning from the end of last year, C. brumata appeared in its usual 

 abundance along the hedgerows ; and one specimen of H, aurantiaria was 

 taken at Cadder Wilderness, about the end of December. This species occurs 

 here every season, but never more than one or two specimens are seen, which 

 however, serve to show that it has not wholly disappeared. 



Towards the end of January H. defoliaria made its appearance on the tree 

 trunks and palings, but was not common ; while a month later, P. pilosaria, 

 accompanied by H, progemmaria, was to be found at the Wilderness, the 

 former sparingly, the latter less plentiful than I have seen it. D.fagella, as 

 usual, was plentiful on the pines at the same locality, and continued abundant 

 so late as the beginning of May. With March and its cold, sharp winds, 

 came L. multistrigaria, an odd specimen being all that was seen at a time. 

 It continued on the wing until the beginning of May. 



None of my friends here nor myself tried the sallow bloom this season. 

 The weather at the time was very unfavourable, and none of us cared to risk 

 a long walk with very little prospects of taking anything. A friend, how- 

 ever, at Paisley, writing me on the 25th April, informed me that in his dis- 

 trict the bloom was fairiy attractive, and on his first visit to the sallows he 

 had taken several specimens of C. vetusta and exoleta, T. stabilis and 

 inslabilis. 



The month of May was very unproductive in insect life. The cold, wet 

 weather which then prevailed prevented many species from making their 

 appearance ; but now that we are enjoying bright, warm days, insects are 



