11^ , 



Retumiug to the decoy lamp, he says — now, there are half a dozen 

 arrivals almost at the same time, of which two or three are good speci- 

 mens of Heliophobus Popularis, and the rest are injured ones of other 

 species. At intervals moths continue to come, sometimes singly and 

 sometimes in numbers until at last they cease. With patient expecta- 

 tion we still stand by, until we think the majority, at least, have 

 settled down to rest ; or we may occupy the time in examining the 

 adjacent bank, where, attracted by the honey-dew upon the rose-bush, 

 moths may be feeding. With the aid of our pocket lanthorn, we look 

 carefully over the leaves, occasionally finding a good specimen of Spcdotis 

 ^racox, or an Agrotis. The large spider, too, which often abounds 

 here, will afford amusement for an interval when there is nothing 

 coming to the lamp ; a specimen has just come to the latter, which 

 proves to be the common Lupernia testacea. Again a pause ensues, 

 during which we will examine the neighbouring hedge ; a specimen 

 liere is the Anthocelis lunosa, and another further on is the Epunda 

 lichenea ; the latter insect is partial to resting on dead fences after 

 dai-k, and may be taken in such situations more freely than in any 

 others. A dark moth is dashing about the lamp, so we'll hasten up to 

 secure it ; it is Lupernia cespitis. In appearance, this is not an 

 attractive species, having the anterior wings black, and the under wings 

 rather a dirty white, giving the idea of "shabby gentility," but much 

 prized by collectors from the rarity of the capture. This method of 

 attracting insects may be pursued with success till winter. 



A keen appetite and the want of exercise make the tired entomolog^ist 

 feel the dewy chill which prevails after midnight. Experience has 

 taught us that refreshment is highly beneficial, and with this in 

 view, we have come pi'ovided with sandwiches, a can of water, and 

 the ingredients for making coffee ; the lamp supplies the fire. No 

 doubt there are still many who think that the entomologist's rambles 

 are a succession of pleasant walks in pursuit of gay insects, which flit 

 about in sunshine amidst delightful flowers and fine scenery — walks ! 

 which are attended with no trouble or annoyance — walks ! which while 

 away a few pleasant hours in catching pretty things ; and then, when 

 change is wanted, a pleasant walk home again. This is certainly 

 a popular idea which must not be entertained. The pursuit of 

 entomology is really pleasant, but it has its drawbacks ; and there are 

 few occupations wliich require greater powers of mind or body. A good 

 entomologist should possess patience, perseverance, endurance, and a fair 

 share of ingenuity ; he should be capable of much bodily exertion, and 

 able to take long walks to his ground, where he must often combat dis- 

 appointment ; he must be able, too, to run, to jump hedges and ditches, 



