186 ESSEX HERONRIES.
with an ominous white spot, sure sign of the heron's stab, etc."
("Field," March 24th, 1888, p. 418.) It is for such delinquencies,
real or supposed, that the heron is now often ruthlessly persecuted,
and its conspicuous appearance renders it, of course, especially
attractive to every "pot-hunter" and shore-shooter—races of sports-
men ever on the increase. But all members of our Club will join
with me in hoping that this beautiful and interesting bird will, es-
pecially in its breeding colonies, continue to be protected by all lovers
of Nature, and by many landowners and others who are not afflicted
with that utilitarian craze which seems to be now so fashionable.
[The Club is much indebted to Mr. Fitch for defraying the cost of the plate of
the Wanstead Heronry forming the frontispiece to the present volume of the
Essex Naturalist, and also for the electrotype of Miss Clarke's drawing from
the "English Illustrated Magazine."—Ed.]
Sphinx convolvuli in Essex.—In the "Entomologist" for September, Mr.
Thomas Bell, of "Oakwood," Epping, records the capture on August 15th of a
specimen of Sphinx convolvuli in his garden—the first he had seen this season.
The Diptera of Epping Forest.—Nearly a twelvemonth ago the Editor
of the Essex Naturalist asked me to compile a list of the Diptera that had
been taken in Epping Forest, but owing to the pressure of other work, I have
found it impossible to attack the subject up to the present time. However I hope
shortly to be able to compile a preliminary list of the species inhabiting the
district, and to this additions can be made from time to time. Very important
assistance could be rendered me in this task if Entomologists collecting in the
forest would take all the Deptera they notice, and forward them to me pinned, all
labelled and dated, but unset. As many species of Diptera are excessively
common, and can be taken by scores by "sweeping," there should be no difficulty
whatever in obtaining a considerable number of specimens. I may mention that
it is always desirable to take all the specimens that present themselves, as to even
a competent Dipterologist it is impossible to recognise at the time of capture more
than a small proportion of examples taken. By following this advice, closely
allied species are obtained, and the list will be much more complete and reliable,
as I wish to add particulars as to the rarity, times of appearance, and any notes
of interest, to as many species as possible. Low creeping plants, ditches, grass,
hedges, bushes and shady glades, as well as sunny banks and flowers, are always
most productive, and on every warm day from sunrise to sunset Diptera may be
taken in abundance. I shall be glad to give any further hints or details of collecting
to any one addressing me by letter, as, owing to my time being so much occupied
in London, I am relying principally on the assistance of my brother Entomolo-
gists to enable me to carry out the task of compiling this list.—E. Brunetti,
129, Grosvenor Park, Camberwell, S.E. [We sincerely hope that our collecting
members will give Mr. Brunetti all the aid in their power. Any one who can use
a net and collecting bottle could render valuable assistance, but it is most important
that the place and date of capture be attached to each specimen. Diptera can be
killed by fumes of burning sulphur or strong ammonia, but on no account should
the boiling water method of killing, so dear to coleopterists and hymenopterists,
be adopted, as the hairs then tend to become matted together and thus renders
the identification of closely allied species difficult. In the "Entomologist", for
October (London : Simpkin, Marshall and Co., Stationer's Hall Court—6d.) Mr.
Brunetti publishes some valuable hints on collecting Diptera with an account of
the British Families, giving habits and places of occurrence of each, etc.—Ed.]