Macro-Lepidoptera of District around Maldon, Essex. 31
have never had a chance of working very thoroughly; but,
judging from my limited experience, I should say that it is
much richer in the Micros than in the larger insects of which
I am specially treating in this paper. My collecting has
been done chiefly inland, Hazeleigh, 21/2 miles S.W. of
Maldon, being the head-quarters. The other parishes to
which I have given special attention are, besides Maldon
itself—Danbury, 5 miles W.; Purleigh, 4 miles S.; Mundon,
3 miles S.S.E.; Woodham Mortimer, 21/2 miles W.; Woodham
Walter, 3 miles W.; and Woodham Ferrers, 6 miles S.W.
The prevailing flora is that usually found on a clayey soil:
Danbury, however, stands on a light gravelly soil which
produces many peculiar plants, and several that are of con-
siderable rarity in the county. A short sketch of the botanical
characteristics of the district, with especial reference to such
plants as Lepidoptera are partial to, will perhaps not be out
of place. The elm is undoubtedly the tree which flourishes
most, the soil being especially suited to its growth; it may be
seen along the hedgerows and roads throughout this district,
and its variety or congener, the wych-elm (Ulmus montana),
is by no means uncommon, and is a peculiarly graceful tree.
Its English name is not owing to any sinister quality
associated with the tree, but, according to its derivation,
signifies pendulous or drooping; and is etymologically con-
nected with wicker-work, both being attributable to the root
in Anglo-Saxon, wic-an, to bend.
The oak is also fairly abundant, much more so than in
many parts of the eastern counties. Nearly all the woods in
this part consist of oaks, but out of woods one notices
specimens only here and there. Maple is very abundant in
hedges, but does not often attain a considerable size. Pines
are almost entirely absent, especially close to Maldon—a fact
which makes the record of a true pine-feeding species (Thera
variata) worthy of special notice. The alder is a rare tree,
being found occasionally on the banks of the Navigation,
between Maldon and Chelmsford, and also near the railway-
line at Langford; nor does its close ally, the birch, flourish
to any great extent. It is to be found growing singly in