WCP2170

[1]¹

Derby Square

Douglas Isle of Man

Dec[embe]r 16. 1879

My dear Sir

I am not aware that the transformations of Cirrhoedia xerampelina in the Isle of Man are known but I hope to take the larvae in the spring.

D. Capsophila has only occurred[?] in Ireland & the I[sle] of Man but the specimens of D. Carpophaga which occur on the Coast of North Wales so closely resemble it as to be scarcely separable & there can be little doubt of their specific identity. [2] D. Caesia has not yet been observed in England & only once in Ireland — at Waterford.

Here[?] it is very abundant — I have taken as many as 20 specimens on the wing on one Evening without moving from a Single patch of Silene Maritima —

I am sorry to say there then is no Coleopterist in the Isle of Man, or indeed any one who shares or collects insects of any order Except myself. — I am trying to set up a Naturalists Club & if possible will try to get some one to collect beetles & to[?] [3] to bear your suggestion in mind myself also but I am sorry to say my health is not Equal to much out door work at present.

I have noticed Melolontha Hippocastani — [1 letter crossed out] here — which is not as common in Ireland also Celonia Aenea which is Scotch.

Botanically the island closely resembles Ireland and that a geologically recent Connexion Existed between it & the Mourn Mountains in Co[unty]. Down & possibly also with the Galloway Mountains in Scotland. all distinctly visible from the west of the island.

Yours faithfully | Edwin Birchall [signature]