180 PURPLE EMPEROR. 



without a battle, flying upwards all the while, and 

 combating with each other as much as possible, after 

 which they will frequently return again to the iden- 

 tical sprigs from whence they ascended. The wings 

 of this fine species are of a stronger texture than 

 those of any other in Britain, and more calculated 

 for that gay and powerful flight which is so much 

 admired by entomologists. The females, like those 

 of many other species, are very rarely seen on the 

 wing ; in three days I captured twenty-three (nine of 

 them in one day), and never took a female at all. 

 The males fly very high, and are only to be taken 

 by a bag-net, fixed to the end of a rod twenty or 

 thirty feet long. There have been instances, though 

 very rare, of their settling on the ground near puddles 

 of water, and being taken there. When the Purple 

 Emperor is within reach, no fly is more easily taken ; 

 for he is so very bold and fearless, that he will not 

 move from his settling-place until you quite push 

 him off; you may even tip the ends of his wings, 

 and be suffered to strike him again." 



