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Genus PONTIA. 
This genus comprehends the white butterflies, 
which are so common in gardens, and which are 
so well known for the depredations they commit 
in their caterpillar state, on cabbages and other ole- 
raceous plants. The species are by no means nu- 
merous, but they are so prolific, that even in those 
seasons which are most unfavourable to the increase 
of insects, we seldom fail to see them flitting about 
in every transient gleam of sunshine. Till lately 
our native species were not thought to exceed three, 
but an indefatigable naturalist, who has laboured most 
successfully in elucidating the entomology of Bri- 
tain, has described four others, which be regards as 
distinct, and which he names P. Ckariclea, Metro > 
Napaece, and Bryonia. “ It yet remains to be seen, 
however,” says the Rev. W. T. Bree, “ whether, in 
the judgment of entomologists in general, these early 
whites (as they are termed), will eventually maintain 
their place as genuine and distinct species. For my- 
self, I may say that I have not been unobservant of 
these insects for some years past, and have more par- 
ticularly attended to them during the spring and 
summer of the present year ; and as far as my obser- 
vations go, they lead me to the conclusion, that P. 
Ckariclea and Melra are mere varieties respectively 
