228 
SOUTH AFRICA 
Oonolophia conscitaria , Walk., the third a Thom not yet determined, 
were disturbed from the herbage. 
The phytophagous Beetle Monolepta vincta , Gerst., was abundant 
by a spring near the bottom of the Kloof, flying in the sun, but 
might also be taken by sweeping shrubs. 
Of all the collecting grounds at the Victoria Falls, we naturally 
anticipated most from the Rain Forest ; it was accordingly the 
first, as it was the last place that we visited. One caution is 
necessary in limine: the area of the forest is so small, and the driest 
of sandy areas are so near, that it cannot reasonably be expected 
to yield valuable evidence as to seasonal forms, for a butterfly 
captured within its ambit may well have gone through all its early 
stages outside and have merely entered the spray-bedewed area to 
quench its thirst. Human experience points in this direction; for 
it is difficult to imagine anything more refreshing than after some 
hours’ collecting in the drouth to get wetted through by the spray, 
which was truly grateful and comforting—especially in a thirsty 
land where beer is two shillings a small bottle. Repeated carefully- 
timed experiments showed that ten minutes in the hot sun and 
parching wind sufficed to dry one’s garments thoroughly. The 
chief drawback to these natural Rain Baths was the difficulty of 
manoeuvring a sopping net, and the condition of some of the “ very 
dry ” Belenois gidica, when taken out of the net under such circum¬ 
stances was deplorable. 
One butterfly did not appear to appreciate the delicious smell of 
the damp vegetation, at all events our old friend Danaida chrysippus 
failed to put in an appearance. The Acraeae too were surprisingly 
scarce, only single examples of A . alboradiata , $, A. anemosa , and 
A. atolmis , $, were taken. Only one Precis is recorded, a ragged 
natalica , but Neptis agatha was frequently seen sailing about the 
Eugenia trees. Yphthima itonia was common enough, a specimen 
of Y. asterope, var. norma, was also taken. Another specimen was 
obtained of the Mycalesis (as yet unnamed), taken in the Palm 
Kloof, also one M. safitza. Belenois severina was the commonest 
White; all taken were males ; but extremely “ dry ” specimens of B. 
gidica (males predominating), were fairly common, especially where 
the spray was heaviest. Three females of Leuceronia thalassina 
were taken, also a female Glutophrissa saba, which was so extremely 
“ dry ” as to have lost all trace of mimicry of Deilemera. Of Terias 
senegalensis, $, T. brigitta, and Teracolus antigone, ?, single 
examples were secured. That only one Teracolus was taken is 
not surprising, since the genus especially haunts open arid places. 
