AMONG THE HEATHER. 105 



XI. 



AMONG THE HEATHER. 



THIS is the worst year for butterflies that I 

 can remember. Entomologists all over Eng- 

 land are in despair at the total failure of the 

 insect crop, and have taken to botanising, 

 angling, and other bad habits, in default of 

 means for pursuing their natural avocation 

 as beetle-stickers. Last year's heavy rains 

 killed all the mothers as they emerged from 

 the chrysalis ; and so only a few stray eggs 

 have survived till this summer, when the 

 butterflies they produce will all be needed to 

 keep up next season's supply. Nevertheless, 

 I have climbed the highest down in this part 

 of the country to-day, and come out for an 

 airing among the heather, in the vague hope 



