THE BUTTERFLY. 69 



und consist of two membranes stretched upon a 

 framework of tubular rods, which run between. 

 In butterflies and moths, this framework and 

 membrane are almost wholly concealed by a thick 

 layer of minute scales, which overlie one another 

 like slates on the roof of 

 a house [Fig. 73] ; this 

 covering has gained for 

 these insects the scien- 

 tific name of Lepidop- 

 tera, or scaly-winged in- 

 sects ; and it is probably 

 on account of this con- 

 cealment that the mode FIG. 73. Arrangement of scales on 

 ,, n . ., wings of Lepidoptera, enlarged. 



of distribution of the 



rods forming the framework of the wing is one 

 of the simplest among insects, although the but- 

 terflies themselves rank high in the order. Nature 

 seems to sport with everything that is external, 

 variety being the law as well as " the very spice of 

 life ;" for while the hidden and interior parts of 

 the organization of animals differ in the main 

 only as they aifect or are affected by their habits 

 and dire requirements, the outer parts are attired 

 with a wanton display of luxurious color or grace- 

 ful or even grotesque form and contour, which 

 bewitch our senses, and, the naturalist in search of 

 real affinities among animals would add, confuse 

 our judgment ; so while the colors and patterns 



