50 BUTTERFLIES 



point of view of the collector. The most natural point of 

 view for a beginner is that of the local fauna, as indicated 

 in the previous paragraph. Such a collection best serves 

 as a basis for a study of the subject but it may well lead 

 to a broader field through some special phase of scientific 

 interest. Thus while it would be hopeless for most per- 

 sons to attempt a collection of the butterflies of the world 

 it would be entirely reasonable for one to start a collection 

 of all the species in the world of any given genus or tribe, 

 and such a set of specimens would soon come to possess 

 decided scientific value. Or, instead of the point of 

 view of generic or family relationship, one could take 

 the point of view of special geographical distribution. 

 Thus a collection of all the butterflies found within 

 a certain number of degrees of the North Pole showing 

 the circumpolar butterfly fauna would have great scientific 

 interest. 



There are also various other points of view which could 

 be followed in making a collection. There are already 

 in many of the museums of the world collections of butter- 

 flies which illustrate the various phases of true mimicry — 

 the resemblance of one species to another in the same re- 

 gion. This is a field in which one could spend a lifetime of 

 endeavor, and secure results of great value to the world 

 of science. An easier problem for most collectors in the 

 United States would be a collection made from the point 

 of view of resemblance to environment, including such 

 examples as the Angle-wings that show a bark-like set of 

 marks on the under surface. Yet another point of view 

 would be that of hibernation, the making of a collection 

 of all butterflies that hibernate as adults. 



These are only a few suggestions. There are many 



