CORRESPONDENCE. 
483 
use of it in any way you please. If not of sufficient import, I beseech you not 
to occupy its excellent pages with what possibly my vanity, as well as my ardent 
love for Natural History, has prompted me to send. Were a motive wanting in 
me to endeavour as far as lies in my power to increase the circulation of The 
Naturalist , your prompt and flattering attention to my poor contribution would 
have supplied one. But no such lack is in me: its well-chosen subjects form 
its chief recommendation to every lover of Natural History. No greater zest is 
requisite to render it a monthly treat to all who 44 through Nature’s works look up 
to Nature’s God,” than its well-seasoned pages afford. 
With you I exceedingly regret the paucity of “hedge-side strollers” and 
44 Butterfly-hunters,” as the many term the few who 
46 Wander through the forest walks, 
Beneath th’ umbrageous multitude of leaves.” 
64 Few and far between” are the dwellings of the sober-minded naturalist; and 
yet what spot is there in this our sea-girt island that does not present to the 
inquiring mind plentiful sources of real pleasure ? What season fails to usher in 
glorious changes in Nature’s varied scenes ? The months, as they onward glide, 
offer to our gaze a panoramic view of the Creator’s Universe. The rolling year 
is full of Him who has spread out Nature's ample lap with blossoms bright 
and fair. 
For my own part, I consider the pleasures of rural life to consist less in the 
boasted freedom from the noise and bustle of crowded cities, than in the quiet 
enjoyment of the country. The constant watching, as it were, of Nature’s 
Varied stores, as they rise from 44 the death of winter” to the life of loveliness in 
the opening spring—the vegetable kingdom, from the humble 44 Daisy pied” to the 
stern monarch of the forest, especially present a world of delights to him who 
meditates in the 44 Book of Nature,” ever open—who 44 sees good in every thing 
and calms his spirit as he contemplates the work of an Almighty hand, displayed 
not more fully in the perfect development of the giant trees, than in the gentle 
up-rearing of the fragrant Violet and the tender Grass. 
Capture of a Butterfly by a Dragonfly. 
While strolling along the margin of the river® the other day, I noticed a singular' 
capture of a Tortoiseshell Butterfly ( Vanessa urticce) by one of the very brilliant 
Dragonflies (Lihellula depressa). The fierce creature soon overtook and pounced 
upon its prey, and quickly tore it to pieces on the spot, close to where I was : 
standing. I have often kept the larvae of the Dragonfly in a glass vase, feeding 
them on aquatic insects, fresh-water Leeches, &c. 
The liver Stoke, we presume.—E d, 
