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SUMMER 



oaks is one of the proudest and most graceful spectacles in 

 summer life. It differs from the flight of any bird. Birds 

 soar and glide in high air, regardless for the time being 

 of any perch or stay ; and for power and grandeur the flight 

 of a great hawk excels that of any insect, as is only due to 

 its size. But the peculiar beauty of the purple emperor's 

 flight is the way in which it is linked to the large contours of 

 the tree's upper boughs, and in particular to a few favourite 





THE HAUNT OF THE PURPLE EMPEROR 



perches. From these it leaps high aloft, sweeps and circles 

 round a friend or rival with the ceremonious grace of 

 the tournament, rides on outstretched wings as the Vanessae 

 ride round the autumn dahlia-heads, and again stoops flashing 

 to its perch. All is still for a few moments, and we only 

 hear the solemn drone of the innumerable insects of the 

 sunshine. Then the purple emperor is off and up again, 

 quickly followed by another from a hitherto unnoticed perch ; 

 as they flick their wings against the sky over the oak-crown, 

 the purple iridescence and pure white spots and bands 

 start momentarily into sharp relief. Another beautiful 



