210 THE IDYL OF THE SPLIT-BAMBOO 



The American silkworm moths generally fly by 

 night, and the electric light is hence a blessed insti- 

 tution to the moth-hunter. These creatures, some 

 of them as large as a small bat, or, perhaps a better 

 comparison, as broad as your hand, and of the most 

 entrancing beauty in shape, color, and silken flight, 

 will throw even the beginner into raptures at their 

 sight. Some alight gracefully and stand slowly furl- 

 ing and unfurling their wings, as if pardonably proud 

 of their beauty. Some float like a many-hued 

 shadow to and fro. In either case a skillful turn 

 of the net effects a capture. A morning search is 

 sometimes profitable. The moths are occasionally 

 found hanging to the roofs or beams of sheds; the 

 undersides of bridges, if near lights, are likely places. 

 Sometimes you will see the moths bobbing against 

 the window-screen from the outside, where they 

 may be taken. The cecropia, especially the female, 

 throws off a peculiar " animal odor," by which it 

 may be tracked to its hiding-place in the daytime. 

 This odor is exceedingly strong, almost offensively 

 so, and is carried by the wind to a considerable dis- 

 tance; it aids the male to find the female, at the mat- 

 ing season. Once smelled you will never forget it. 



At this time of the year, egg-hunting may yield 

 fair results. Suitable places evidently are about the 

 same as for the cocoons. You should carry along 

 tin boxes with covers, in which to place the leaves 

 upon which the eggs are found; remove the leaf 



