BUTTERFLIES OF MONTANA. 5 



Without the generous aid of these friends, who gave their work cheerfully 

 and gratuitously, these original illustrations would be lacking. 



We are deeply indebted to President Craig, of the University, for the 

 cordial support he has given us in our efforts to popularize this subject 

 and make the study available to the younger generation of the state. His 

 liberal policy has enabled us to use copious illustrations, and any plan 

 for better results or for increased usefulness of publications has always 

 met with his hearty favor. 



The pleasure we have found in the preparation of the material for 

 publication has been ample compensation for the labor. We can wish for 

 those who peruse it or read it no more enjoyment in its use than has been 

 ours in gathering the specimens and bringing them together. Every 

 specimen which we have gathered recalls some scene, whether it be the 

 jagged sky line of the back bone of the continent as viewed from the 

 Swan range when we were sweeping in a few Phyciodes, a battered 

 Eurymus alexandra, or the various species of Argynnids, or the quiet and 

 peaceful woods adjacent to the laboratory at Flathead lake. Again, as 

 we pick up Satyrus olympus or Brenthis myrina we are reminded of the 

 dusky faces on the Flathead reservation and the beautiful Mission valley, 

 flanked by the majestic Mission mountains. Vanessa californica brings 

 to us in winter the first breath of spring, as it is our earliest specimen, 

 coming at Missoula in 1903, February 19. Vanessa J. album carries us 

 to Swan lake, where the manical call of the loon is answered by the blood 

 curdling shrief of the puma, while the water lap-laps the bottom of our 

 boat as we head for the campfire on shore. 



Beautiful, dainty, golden laced Lycana melissa carries us to Sin- 

 yaleamin lake, cradled in the mountains, where we spent such happy and 

 care free days. Oeneas chryxus takes our memory to Mount Woody, 

 south of Missoula, which we have ascended a dozen times for butterflies. 

 Whichever way we turn, whatever insect we pick up, our memory brings 

 to us days of happiness and pleasure. M. J. ELROD, 



University of Montana. 



