138 



THE BUTTERFLY HUNTERS. 



CHAPTER XIX. 



ABOUT MOTHS. 



ViT^ <^ ^ 



FTER the long vacation it was pleasant for 

 the boys to meet once more in the old 

 class-room. They were rested and refreshed 

 in body and mind, and full of eagerness to 

 hear what Mr. Benedict had to tell them 

 about the moths. During the long tramp over the moun- 

 tains they had added many rare and beautiful specimens 

 to their butterfly collection, and succeeded in procuring 

 many perfect pairs of varieties they had previously found 

 at home. 



They were already in their seats when Mr. Benedict 

 came in. He did not commence at once to tell them 

 about the moths, but spent a half-hour in reviewing the 

 general facts relating to butterflies, which they had learned 

 during the Spring and Summer. 



" I think I have described to you the diflerence," said 

 he, at length, "between the moth and butterfly when at 

 rest. The True butterfly holds both pairs of wings up- 

 right, the Skipper elevates the fore pair only, and the 

 moth holds both pair horizontally, folding the fore wings 

 backward so as to nearly or quite conceal the hind pair. 



