Journal of Proceedings. cv
American backswoodsmen used to shoot Indians. The poor stoats were
struck with sticks, in the hope of dislodging necrophagous beetles from
their bodies, but the experiment was not rewarded with success, for their
decease was of too recent date.
In the wood a very considerable number of interesting plants were
noticed, including Malva moschata (the " Musk Mallow''), Rubus idaeus
(the Raspberry), Achilea ptarmica (the " Sneezewort ") with terminal
gall, the work of one of the Cecidomyidae, and probably new to the county.
The pretty little " Enchanter's nightshade " (Circaea, lutetiana) and the
Centaury (Erythraea) were very abundant bordering the woodland
paths, and in and around the ponds were gathered Typha angustifolia,
Sparganium, Carex pendula, and many other aquatics. The
Orchidaceae were represented by Ophrys apifera, and the Twayblade
(Listera ovata). The wood contains several interesting non-native
bushes and trees, among which some finely-grown examples of Robinia
pseudacacia (the North American " Locust-tree") suggested some re-
marks from Prof. Boulger on the introduction of this tree into England.
A large number of bush-like Alders were also noticed. At the place
where the " centre-tree " (a Spruce Fir) formerly stood to mark the point
of convergence of eight " Wents " or rides (one has been obliterated in
the interests of game preserving), Mr. English read the following notes:—
"Ongar Park Woods in the Past, from an Entomological Point
of View.
" Ongar Park is not so much frequented by the entomologist as it once
was, nor even by the ordinary pedestrians who came merely to enjoy
a charming woodland ramble. Formerly (that is, between the years 1888
and 1862), the park was one of the best collecting grounds near the
forest, and was the home of many rare species of lepidoptera. In the
" ride " which then led from this spot, but which is now obliterated, I
used to capture Erastia fuscula, and to beat from the sallow bushes the
splendid larvae of Apatura iris, and also to capture the " Purple
Emperor" in his perfect stage. In this ride opposite, I have often
sat watching these highflyers soaring over and around the oaks, and on
the coming of a storm it was amusing to see one of these great butter-
flies choosing, with apparent care, a shelter under a stout branch till
the sun broke out again, and the noble flight recommenced.
" There, on the left, I once saw the " Camberwell Beauty " ( Vanessa
antiopa) flying about the birches, which I captured under peculiar
difficulties. I had come out to collect some catkins of Salix caprea,
to breed Eupithecia tenuiata, and had neither net, box, nor pins with
me, only a bag to hold the catkins. I hesitated for a moment what course
to take, but at last I hastily cut two hazel sticks, placed one on each side
of the bag, and with this queer " net " luckily secured the butterfly, and
a real " beauty " she was. Then I cut a piece of bark from a trunk of a
tree to form a sort of box, and using a thorn as a pin, thus carried my
prize home in triumph!
" On this side of the hill Nemeobius lucina used to occur ; further on
I captured Melitaea athalia, and by the pond we have just passed, M.
artemis. In this spot I used to stand to watch the rides for the grace-
ful "Wood White" butterfly (Leucophasia sinapis), often taking a