PEEFACE 



I HAVE adopted a general title, *The Colours of 

 Animals,' in order to indicate the contents of this 

 volume, although the vast majority of the examples 

 are taken from insects, and indeed almost invariably 

 from a single order, the Lepidoptera. The examples 

 are, however, employed merely to illustrate principles 

 which are of wide application. 



I have purposely abstained from multiplying in- 

 stances when a little observation or even reflection 

 will supply them in large numbers. For example, 

 the ordinary Protective Kesemblances of mammals 

 and birds are barely alluded to, on this account. On 

 the other hand, more difficult problems, such as the 

 change of colour in arctic mammals, or the meaning 

 of the colours of birds' eggs, are treated at far greater 

 length. My object in both cases is the same : to 

 stimulate observation in a subject which will amply 

 repay investigation, from the scientific value of the 

 results, and the never- failing interest and charm of 

 the inquiry. 



