PURPLE EMPEROR. 197 



appropriate one, at least as far as regards the male 

 insect. The ground colour of the upper wings is 

 brown-black in some lights, but in others is a rich 

 shining purple, this effect being produced by the 

 shape and arrangement of the scales, as can be seen 

 by examining a specimen under the microscope. 

 The light-coloured bands and spots are white, pure 

 white in the male, and yellowish-white in the female. 

 Beneath, the general colour is rust-red, blotched with 

 black, grey, and here and there blue. 



In former days the Emperor was supposed to 

 restrict himself to the topmost branches of the oak- 

 trees, and entomologists were accustomed to supply 

 themselves with nets furnished with long handles 

 made on the principle of the fishing-rod, the handle 

 of the net being at least thirty feet in length. 



Now-a-days entomologists who wish to catch the 

 Purple Emperor do not trouble themselves to procure 

 nets with preposterous handles weapons with which 

 I believe that a successful stroke can scarcely be 

 made. They now look out for a secluded open space 

 or glade in the wood, situated, if possible, on wet 

 soil, lay on the ground a piece of bullock's liver, a 

 dead rat or rabbit, or, in fact, any kind of animal sub- 

 stance, and go away again. For this insect has a 

 strange liking for the most repulsive viands. There 

 is nothing it likes better than the juices of putrid 

 animal substances ; and a dead dog or cat, which 

 would drive away any human being who possessed 

 nostrils and was not an entomologist, would attract 

 the Purple Emperor to a rich banquet. 



In two or three days, according to the weather, 



