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the genus Ennomos, the green imbricated patches of small eggs of Biston, and those 

 of Boarmia disposed of by the female in suitable chinks and crevices, the oval pearly 

 eggs of Meldnthia and OidaHa often so amazingly large when compared with the 

 size of the parent moth, the scale-like egg of the Tortrix, and many others, which, 

 when we come to know them well, will lead us to deduce analogies of the utmost 

 assistance in previously forming an opinion as to where and what-like will be 

 the egg of any particular species of which we may be desirous of going in quest. 



And an examination of the anal segment of a female specimen would also 

 aflFord us a means of making a fair guess at the situation and mode of concealment 

 of its eggs. Thus — should she be provided with a longish protruded ovipositor, as 

 Zenzera, Cossus, Boarmia, Eivperia, the inference would be that the eggs would be 

 found deposited deeply in the chinks of bark ; should the abdomen be pointed with 

 concealed or only slightly projecting ovipostor, as in some of the Cosmido', Dianthoi- 

 cicB, Hihernido', Eiipithecicc, and other geometers, the probability would be that the 

 species would deposit its eggs in flowers, or in axils of leaves, buds, &c. ; should the 

 abdomen be blunt, the eggs may be expected upon leaves, twigs, &c. ; while, if the 

 anal segment be tufted, the eggs will be found in patches, felted over with downy 

 fur, and generally upon the surface of bark and twigs. 



In searching upon trees, bushes, &c., it is advisable to carefully scrutinise 

 each leaf, foot stalk, and twig, from different aspects, which may be done by turning 

 the branch under examination about in such a manner as to get successive views of 

 the upper aud under sides of leaves, and the circumference of the twigs ; it is also 

 a good plan to look at the branch against a rather strong Hght. Of course, when- 

 ever any unusual speck, spot, or patch arrests the attention, the collector must 

 satisfy himself as to the cause of it. He will generally find that the under sides of 

 the leaves are the most favoured positions, but some species, as the DicranuridcB, 

 select the upper surface ; eggs are most frequently placed near the midrib and 

 towards the apex of the leaf ; the eggs of some moths are deposited in autumn upon 

 the axils of leaves, and remain there through the winter, as for example those of 

 0. Lota and Tethea Retusa, and from this cause thousands of these species are de- 

 stroyed by the basket makers, who cut down the " witheys " in winter ; the eggs of 

 other species are placed in the buds, especially of the terminal shoots, as in the 

 case of G. Rhamni. The species which subsist on flowers and seeds, as most of the 

 Eupithecice, DianthwcioB, XantJvice, and Erastria Venustula, probably deposit at the 

 base of the petals or soft ovary, or on the flower stalks of UmbelliferEe, &c., as the case 

 may be ; the eggs of internal grass feeders will usually be deposited in or about the 

 axil of the sheath around the stem, while those of wood and bark feeding species 

 will generally be placed in chinks of bark, though Sesia Bembeciformis certainly 

 deposits naturally upon the leaves ; the eggs of low plant feeders may be most 

 likely detected on the under sides of the leaves of their food-plant, on adjacent stems 

 of grasses, or on other plants or objects in the neighbourhood. 



A consideration of the foregoing remarks would seem to indicate that, while 

 for real instructive observation the eggs of all species should be carefully sought, 

 and when found made note of, so far as the mere desire to possess is concerned but 

 a partial success may be expected, for assuredly of most species the eggs will be 

 far more easily obtainable by the following plan ; 



