220 



NA TURE-STUD Y RE VIEW [13 :6— Sept., 191' 



flies. The caterpillar, before it changes to a pupa, makes a button 

 of silk and sometimes also a loop of silk by which the pupa is sus- 

 pended. As the insect when in the pupa or chrysalis state is 

 helpless and unable to move, it is, therefore, an easy prey to birds 

 and other enemies; thus the chrysalis is usually inconspicuous and 

 placed in som.e position where it is not easily detected by even the 

 keenest eyes. 



Fourth. — After a tim_e the pupa skin is shed and from this comes 

 the winged insect in all its beauty of color and form. 



HOW TO STUDY THE BUTTERFLIES 



The caterpillars may be found on their food plant and reared 

 indoors. This requires a great deal of care in providing fresh food 

 and in looking after the wants of the little 

 pmilf illllim^ prisoners. This is the best way to study 



' ' the insects, as we thus become acquainted 



with the caterpillar and its habits and also 

 the chrysalis ; and when finally the winged 

 insect emerges we may become familiar 

 with its colors and markings before we set 

 it free to carry on its work of perpetuating 

 the species and of carrying pollen for the 

 flowers. 



Or we may catch a butterfly with a net 

 without injuring it and let it loose in the 

 room where we can study it at close range 

 and get thoroughly acquainted with its 

 size, form and colors. This is an excellent 

 way. 



The most common way of studying 

 these insects but perhaps not necessarily 

 the best, is to make a collection of but- 

 terflies. This involves the catching of the 

 insects in a net, and killing them in a cyanide 

 bottle, or by pinching the thorax, and then 

 spreading the wings carefully, letting them 

 dry extended, and then placing the speci- 

 a box for safe keeping. Every beginner experiences 



such specimens free from the little pests 



Spreading Board 



mens m 



great trouble in keeping 



