56 



SCIENCE-GOSSIP. 



[Makcu 1, 1366. 



the wing may be found green and blue scales vying 

 with eacb other in lustre, yet they are identical 

 in appearance when transmitted light is used in their 



Figs. 56, 57. Sdales of Pieris Brassies x 450. 



examination. Under these circumstances they ap- 

 pear of a light-brown colour. 



The scales of the Morpho Menelaus, a splendid 

 insect, measuring some Si inches across the wings, 

 which are of the deepest sky- 

 blue colour on the upper surface, 

 differ considerably from those of 

 the Paris Butterfly. Formerly 

 they were considered a severe 

 test for an § objective. 



Prom the wing of the male of 

 the Cabbage Butterfly (Pieris 

 Brassica) are obtained two de- 

 scriptions of scales ; one some- 

 what resembles those from the 

 Morpho Menelaus, but the other 



xm 



Fig. 58. Scale of Hipparehia 

 Janira X 450. 



Fig. 50. Battledore Scale of 

 Polyommatus Alexia x 450. 



is altogether different, and requires a good quarter 

 to exhibit the markings satisfactorily; indeed, 

 neither of the two is easy of resolution. 



The Meadow Brown Butterfly (Hipparehia Janira) 

 furnishes a test of considerable difficulty. The out- 

 line resembles the scale from Pieris Brassica, but 

 the markings are much finer. 



The battledore scales from the Azure-blue But- 

 terfly (Polyommatus) have always been favourites, 

 owing to their unique shape and peculiar surface 

 markings. Being very minute, considerable magni- 

 fying power must be employed. 



The scale of the Gnat (Cule.v pipiens) is also very 

 curious ; the longitudinal striae look more like the 

 folds in a lady's fan than anything else. 



Fig. 6J. Scale of 

 Gnat (Culez pipi- 

 ens) X 450. 



Fig. 61. Scale of Lepisma saecha- 

 rina x 450. 



' The Lepisma saccharina, a little spindle-shaped 

 creature of a dull leaden hue, with three filaments 

 or bristles pointing outwards at the tail, inhabiting 

 the old decayed woodwork of houses, is covered with 

 very beautiful scales. 



The name implies the connection of the creature 

 with sugar-casks. I used to be able to procure a 

 specimen whenever I wanted from the kitchen 

 hearth, which was somewhat out of repair; but 



Fig. 62. Scales of Sea-side Lepisma x 450. 



since it has been mended I have not caught one. 

 Perhaps they were out on foraging expeditions 

 among the bits dropped near the fire-place, and the 



