Vlll CONTENTS. 



Hawk of the Convolvulus (Syrfiinx Convoh-uli}. The two Moths of 

 greatly differing size, within the highest compartment of the window, are 

 an " Angleshades " (Phlogophora lucipara), and a little " Clearwing" 

 (Myeria tipuliformis). 



All the Moths in the above engraving arc drawn half the size of nature. 

 Most of them, as perfect insects, are described in the episode called 

 ' Moths as Idlers ' (p. 302) ; and some, in their preparatory stages, 

 are referred to in ' Moths as Destructives,' p. 264, and in ' Moths as 

 Operatives,' p. 228 ; also, in ' The Tribes of an Oak,' p. 9-i. 



" So issue forth the Seasons." 



L'irst we have WINTER in his merriest mood, represented by the Cricket, 

 bedecked with Christmas holly, and alive with fun and jollity. By his 

 riirht hand he holds the Brimstone Butterfly, emblem of SPRING, prim- 

 rose of papilions in habits and in hue. Beneath, the jocund Grasshopper, 

 linked to the above by a vernal wreath, figures the bright SUMMER, 

 and in the glowing Peacock Butterfly, rich in her velvet train as 

 the autumnal flowers she frequents, \\o welcome AUTUMN, bearing the 

 ripe sheaf, and presenting her merry associate with the fruit of the vine. 



18. THE LADYBIRD OF OUR CHILDHOOD. 



This vignette represents the transformations of the Ladybird (Coccinella). 

 On the large hop-leaf, which occupies the foreground, is a group of 

 eggs; near them, to the left, a grub or larva, devouring a hop aphis; 

 again, to the left, attached to a stalk, is the pupa. Higher, on the 

 right, is a perfect Ladybird (C, septem-punctata), of which genus two 

 other species are figured, one in flight, the other on a stalk .... 1 



" .2V0 doubt, Sir, an Entomologist f" 



The author, in his character of Acheta domestica, makes a new acquaintance, 

 who keeps Ladybirds ..... .... ... 21 



