The seamen cried out "it was snowing butterflies," and such in fact was the appearance.

More species than one were present, but the main part belonged to a kind very similar to, but not identical with, the common English Colias edusa.

Some moths and hymenoptera accompanied the butterflies; and a fine beetle (Calosoma) flew on board.

Other instances are known of this beetle having been caught far out at sea; and this is the more remarkable, as the greater number of the Carabidae seldom or never take wing.

The day had been fine and calm, and the one previous to it equally so, with light and variable airs.