MOTHS OF THE LIMBERLOST 



because I think if tliey will make honest confession, all 

 people who have gathered eggs and raised caterpillars 

 from them in confinement, by feeding cut leaves, will 

 admit that the pupa cases they get, and the moths they 

 produce are only about half size. The big fine cases and 

 cocoons are the ones you find made by caterpillars in 

 freedom, or by those that have passed at least the fourth 

 or fifth moult out of doors. So it was a better thing for 

 my illustration, and for my painting, when in June of 

 this year, Raymond, in crossing town from a ball game, 

 found a large, perfect Modesta female. He secured her 

 in his hat, and hurried to me. Raymond's hat has had 

 many wonderful things in it besides his head, and his 

 pockets are always lumpy with boxes. 



Although perfect, she had mated, deposited her eggs, 

 and was declining. All she wanted was to be left alone, 

 and she Avould sit w ith wings widespread wherever placed. 

 I was in the orchard, treating myself to some rare big 

 musky red raspberries that are my especial property, 

 when Raymond came with her. He set her on a shoot 

 before me, and guarded her while I arranged a camera. 

 She was the most complacent subject I ever handled 

 outdoors, and did not make even an attempt to fly. 

 Raymond was supposed to be watching while I worked, 

 but our confidence in her was so great, that I paid all 

 my attention to polishing my lenses, and getting good 

 light, while Raymond gathered berries with one hand, 



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