the Carihcean Islands. 405 



of such subjects as can be kept stationary. The draftsman will 

 find it beyond all praise in sketching the figure of any thing, from 

 a moderate sized insect to a subject that would require an atlas 

 sheet, and he will give an accuracy not to be obtained by the 

 unassisted hand without abundant labour. In tracing the outline 

 of shells, a square bit of soft deal and a long fork stuck upright on 

 it should be always at hand ; a lump of common bees-wax pressed 

 against the handle will serve to hold even heavy shells, without 

 injuring the most delicate. This simple instrument is easily turned, 

 or moved to a greater distance, for altering the diameter or profile 

 of the figure, which can be finished under the naked eye with all 

 its minute details. 



We used to wonder how those islands, which owe their origin 

 to volcanic convulsions, or have sprung from the bosom of the 

 ocean built on reefs of corals, could become peopled with the 

 countless animals which they now support; especially with insects, 

 those delicate and frail beings, which would perish in the sea, as 

 it was formerly supposed, in their flights from distant lands. The 

 observations which have been made of late, and recorded by 

 Messrs. Kirby and Spence, have set the matter at rest : and I am 

 able now to add a little to the list of migrating insects. 



1. A specimen of Jcherontia (Sphinx) Atropos flew on board 

 the Chieftain of London, on her last voyage to the West Indies, 

 when at least a thousand miles from the nearest land of the Western 

 Islands, and was secured by the captain. 



2. A few weeks since, Erebus sirix^ a moth equalling in size 

 the Bats of Europe, lighted on the deck of a small vessel of this 

 port, about twelve miles to the eastward of St. Vincent, which had 

 doubtless been blown off the land of Demerara, where it is found, 

 and carried to us by a strong current of the atmosphere. It now 

 stands in my cabinet a fine and perfect specimen of this giant 

 species. 



3. A species of CoUas was lately sent me from Trinidad, which 

 was observed in a continued flight of thousands, traversing that 

 island from west to east : they were also observed at sea in the 

 neighbouring gulf. 



