IMAGOS] AUGUST 



Many Moths, in their fresh "palmy state," make their appearance this 

 month ; while we may often see sunny banks, or fields glowing 

 "With open, velvet butterflies, 

 That swing, and spread their peacock eyes, 

 As if they cared no more to rise 



From off their beds of chamomile." 



All kinds of flowers, especially in exposed situations, should be carefully 

 examined, soon after sunset, for the Moths they attract. A. saucia, and other 

 local species, are often found on garden flowers, and flowering shrubs. As 

 the honey of most flowers has a stupifying effect on Moths, they may be easily 

 boxed from the flower, or shaken into an umbrella first. Other species, 

 which hover over flowers, either in the sunshine, or at early dusk, as C. 

 celerio, and S. convolvuli, and also many Noctuae, must be netted first, and 

 immediately introduced into a wide-mouthed bottle charged with chloroform, 

 bruised laurel, or cyanide of potassium. Some other natural attractions than 

 flowers, are also worth noting. Newly cut-down birch trees, as well as ex- 

 udations from the bark of standing ones, attract both Butterflies, and Moths ; 

 and Butterflies are also, sometimes, drawn to a particular spot by some white, 

 or brightly coloured object. 



But to the attractions which nature offers, the energetic Collector adds 

 those of art, 



"And with delusive baits betrays." 



The sugar-pot should now be prepared, and liberally used. If, owing to the 

 abundance of flowers, captures should prove rare, the flowers themselves 

 should be sugared, especially thistles, and flowers presenting a large surface, 

 as they will prove superior to tree trunks, &c. Our highest authority in 

 English Entomology, Mr. Henry Doubleday, of Epping, says the sugar 

 should always be applied to the trees before sunset, and when practicable it 

 should be put en warm, as the scent is much more powerful than when it is 

 applied cold. The greatest number of Moths will generally be found about 

 three quarters of an hour after sunset, and in spring and autumn but few 

 will be found after ten o'clock. Many species visit the sugar about an hour 

 before sunrise, in the morning. Sugar is almost useless in the neighbourhood 

 of lime trees, when they are in bloom, and also when there is much honey- 

 dew. Neither should the allurement of light be forgotten. In a favourable 

 situation this means of capture may be pursued far into the night, as some 

 species do not respond to the call until a late hour of the night, or early hour 

 in the morning. It is recommended that a bright light be placed near a 

 slightly-open window, and a net used for the capture of specimens. A wag 

 has suggested that the watcher may wile the idle time away by 

 Young's "Night Thoughts," Bulwer's "Night and Morning," 

 "Arabian (K)nights' Entertainments !" 



Gas lamps often prove highly attractive to Moths, and many good species 

 have been captured thereat, though it is not often that their condition is 

 fine. Lamplighters in country towns may sometimes be bought over to box 

 specimens for you, as they often find them when they clean the lamps ; but 

 you must give frequent calls upon the official to keep him up to his work, and 

 the chances are in favour of your getting little else than a lot of rubbish, or 



reading 

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