MOTHS OF THE LIMBERLOST 



*' Hurry him up!" suggested Molly-Cotton. "Tie a 

 a string across the window and hang him in the sunshine. 

 I'll bring a fan, and stir the air gently." 



This plan seemed feasible, and when the twine was 

 ready, I lifted his twig to place it in the new location. 

 The instant I touched his resting place and lifted its 

 weight from the twine both females began ejecting a 

 creamy liquid. They ruined the frescoing behind them, 

 as my first Cecropia soiled the lace curtain when I was 

 smaller than Molly-Cotton at that time. We tacked a 

 paper against the wall to prevent further damage. A 

 point to remember in moth culture, is to be ready for 

 this occurrence before they emerge, if you do not want 

 stained frescoing, floors, and hangings. 



In the sunshine and fresh air the male began to dry 

 rapidly, and no doubt he understood the presence of his 

 kind, for he was much more active than the females. He 

 climbed the twig, walked the twine body pendent, and 

 was so energetic that we thought we dared not trust him 

 out of doors; but when at every effort to walk or fly he 

 only attempted to reach the females, we concluded that 

 he would not take wing if at liberty. By this time he 

 was fully developed, and so perfect he would serve for a 

 study. 



I polished the lenses, focused anew on the tree, marked 

 the limits of exposure, inserted a plate, and had every- 

 thing ready. Then I brought out the female, Molly- 



^55 



