204 JUNGLE PEACE 



most casual and irresponsible. The background 

 of the wings of many is jet-black, and on this 

 sable canvas are splashed the boldest of yellow 

 streaks and the most conspicuous of scarlet spots. 

 Unquestionably protected by nauseous body 

 fluids, they flaunt their glaring colors in mea- 

 sured, impudent flight, weaving their way slowly 

 through the jungle, in the face of lizard and bird. 

 Warningly colored they assuredly are. One can- 

 not think of them except as flitting aimlessly on 

 their way, usually threading the densest part of 

 the undergrowth. No butterflies are more con- 

 spicuous or easier to capture. They must feed, 

 they must pay court and mate, and they must 

 stop long enough in their aimless wanderings to 

 deposit their eggs on particular plants by an in- 

 stinct which we have never fathomed. But these 

 are consummations hidden from the casual ob- 

 server. 



Now, however, I am prepared for any unex- 

 pected meaningful trait, for I have surprised 

 them in a habit, which presupposes memory, 

 sociability and caution, manifested at least sub- 

 consciously. 



The afternoon had worn on, and after leaving 

 my lizard, I had squatted at the edge of a small 



