64 



THE YOUNG NATURALIST. 



flowers of the hazel (Corylus avellana.) I need hardly say how heartily I 

 welcomed the appearance of these two familiar pioneers of spring. — J. W. 

 Carter, Bradford. 



Wood Wool.— I have been asked about this substance, which has been 

 recently introduced for packing purposes. It is rather a misleading name, 

 for it is not " wool" at all, being very narrow shavings of wood. Whether 

 there is anything peculiar in the process of preparation or not, I do not 

 know, but it seems much more elastic than ordinary shavings, and nearly 

 as much so as curled hair. I have not tried it for packing insect boxes, but 

 it appears to be a most suitable thing for the purpose. It is certainly better 

 than cotton wool. — John E. Robson, Hartlepool. 



Occurrence oe Liparis Dispar in Hampshire, 1887. — I am now in 

 a position to confirm Mr. Gregson's supposition that L. dispar is still to be 

 taken in England, as an entomological friend of mine beat a female specimen 

 of this species from the lower twigs of a young plantation (oak) in the New 

 Forest, Hampshire, in the latter end of June, 1887, whilst beating for the 

 larvae of Sponsa and Promissa. — A. E. Hall, Norbury, Pitsmoor, Shef- 

 field. 



MYRTILLI. 



On Shirley, when the sun shines high, 



And drowsy bees their matins sing ; 

 What flies so swift as Myrtilli, 



The little Yellow Underwing ? 



Just like a sudden flash of light 



It darts out from its nest of heath ; 

 One moment ! and 'tis lost from sight, 



And hides again the ling beneath. 



If rain should come and cloud the skies, 



The little reveller seeks its bower ; 

 Snug in its safe retreat it lies, 



And waits the passing of the shower. 



Though there are gaudier insects far 



That boldly roam the summer sky, 

 Spite of their beauties, I prefer 



The wayward little Myrtilli, E,A, 



