190 



metrce may now be found on low plants : so far foi* 

 May. 



June and July may be associated, since the operations 

 of each are similar. 



The sand-hills are the great nursery of Lasiocampa tri- 

 folii^ and may, therefore, be frequented early in June for 

 the larvae of this species. The prevailing colour of these 

 is yellow, and they rest by day upon the ground. The 

 moss on some parts of the hills is becoming yellow 

 through want of moisture, and as it is the colour of the 

 larvae, it often effectually prevents their being seen. 

 Sometimes, also, they are partially concealed by dead and 

 prostrate stems of plants, so that they are difficult to find ; 

 the practised eye of an entomologist bent upon his object 

 will, nevertheless, find plenty. 



There are many larvse on the trees and bushes now, 

 which are nearly, if not quite, at their growth, and these, 

 if wanted, must be at once obtained. The caterpillars of 

 the autumn and spring moths are those principally spoken 

 of. All kinds of trees may be now searched, and much 

 trouble may be avoided by noticing where the leaves are 

 freshly eaten : and such places may be examined by 

 beating and catching in the net or umbrella, shaking out 

 the refuse from time to time. In beating for caterpillars 

 place the open umbrella as much as possible under the 

 branch or bush on which an attack is meditated, and then 

 give the branch or bush two or three sudden and sufficiently 

 heavy blows with a stick ; the suddenness of the blows 

 takes the larvse unawares, and down they fall. Caterpillars 

 of the Geometrce and many others often descend by means 

 of silken threads, which would still support and withdraw 

 them from the umbrella when it is taken from under the 

 branch or bush ; the entomologist must, therefore, see 

 that none are left suspended. There are some larvse 

 which closely resemble a bit of dead stick, so that on ex- 



