14.
species of summer migrants over a period of
18 years, but he also kept summer visitors
alive throughout the winter in his aviaries.
He was a skilled self-taught taxidermist.
His observations on birds were drawn upon
by Miller Christy for his Birds of Essex.
He contributed invaluable information for
Yarrell to use in The History of British
Birds and supplied material for the illus-
trations .
From his botanical knowledge he
provided many notes for Gibson's Flora of
Essex and he made observations over many
years by growing the Oxlip (Primula elatior)
to confirm his view that this plant was a
distinct species. Doubleday's primary
interest was however with the insects,
especially the Lepidoptera. He freely ex-
changed specimens and notes about the iden-
tification of species with a large circle of
leading experts. Following a visit to Paris
to meet the eminenet French lepidopterist
Achille Guenee and many others, he was able
to study the different nomenclature in use
on the continent. From what he found in
Paris he resolved to prepare a list in an
effort to avoid the confusion then current
which resulted from the different names in
use. His Catalogue, spread over many years
work and after examining and comparing many
thousands of specimens, was published in
instalments and greatly advanced knowledge
in this direction.
His natural history activities however
caused neglect of his business and later, the
collapse of a bank in which most of his money
was held caused him to suffer a mental break-
down from which he really never fully
recovered. This searching and detailed
account of this British naturalist should be
read by and be an inspiration to all with
such interests. B.T. WARD.