THE FAERY YEAR 



perhaps it was too prickly ; nor one on the scabious 

 blossom ; the bulkier field scabious blossoms, on 

 the other hand, and those of knapweed, are couches 

 of which many a yellow or orange humble-bee avails 

 itself when the August evening grows chilly. 

 There the homeless humble-bee is safe from reptile 

 and field-mouse, and such small deer as may pry 

 for insect prey after sundown. The safety of bee is, 

 I believe, the safety of butterfly it is the position, 

 the couch on high, that protects the bee and 

 butterfly, not the mask of colour or marking. 



After a little practice, any man furnished with 

 good eyesight can easily distinguish these butterflies 

 blues, coppers, small heaths, and meadow-browns 

 from their perches ; and so we may be sure 

 that the small beast, bird, or insect of prey, with 

 sense of colour and form, would also distinguish 

 them. To the species of butterflies mentioned I 

 have given special attention. But quite often, with- 

 out even searching for them, I see cabbage whites 

 and other butterflies asleep on perches to which 

 they by no means assimilate. My belief is stronger 

 than ever that the butterfly in bed is in safe 

 quarters, even in a world of enemies. There may 

 be some species of English butterflies of moths 

 I say nothing here which sleep in riskier situa- 

 tions ; and it may be that Nature has given these 

 a special armour of colour. I have never seen 

 the green hairstreak on its bed, but can imagine 

 that its under dress might be protective, as some 

 coat of mail worn secretly by a man living and 

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