INSECTS to grow over its whole extent, and no fresh clearance was made for several years. The glades were also kept closely clipped and mown, which resulted in the total disappearance of all the sun-loving plants, including the Melampyrum and Digitalis on which the larva? of athalia feed, nor were any bramble or other flowers left for the perfect insects. Consequently the species was literally starved out and completely exter- minated ; for though at the commencement of its evil days stragglers might be met with miles away from their native home, it is to be feared that none of them succeeded in establishing a new colony elsewhere, which is greatly to be regretted, as the Essex form of this beautiful insect was larger and more richly coloured than any occurring else- where. The Comma (Vanessa C-album) seems to have abounded at Epping in the early part of the nineteenth century, but only occasional stragglers have been met with in the county in more recent times. About 1850 several specimens were captured near Colchester by the late W. Tillaney. Mr. Jeffrey records it from Saffron Walden, and Mr. R. E. Stuart cap- tured an example at Mundon, near Maldon, in 1871. The Large Tortoiseshell (V. polycbloros) is very widely distributed and frequently common, though it seems to have its adverse periods. The larvae most frequently feed on elm, but may also be found on sallow, osier, cherry, pear, etc., and Mr. J. A. Tawell once found a brood at Earles Colne feeding on nettle. The Small Tortoiseshell (V. urticce) abounds everywhere from early spring till late autumn, and has been seen flying briskly along the streets in Colchester on an exceptionally warm day in January. The Peacock (V, id) is very common in some seasons. In 1900 the nettles about Colchester were black with the larvae in the early part of July, and in August the perfect insects visited the clover fields in enormous numbers. The Camberwell Beauty (V. antiopa) is usually very rare and cannot be considered a native of Britain, but from the numerous records it seems to have been at some time noticed in all parts of the county. In 1872 it was comparatively common, but has been extremely rare since. A single specimen was taken at Middlewick, Colchester, in 1880. Single specimens were also taken at Hornchurch, near Dunmow, and at Chelmsford in 1900, and one was seen near Chelmsford on September 7, 1901. The Red Admiral (V. atalanta] is common and generally distributed, and has been exceptionally abundant in recent years. The Painted Lady (V. cardui) is an erratic insect, as uncertain in its appearances as are the 'Clouded Yellows.' After being extremely rare or entirely absent for long periods it will suddenly turn up in great abundance everywhere. Whether it often hibernates in the perfect state in this country is doubtful, but there can be no doubt that most of the specimens found here in the autumn are the progeny of immigrants which reach our shores earlier in the year.
