48 BRITISH BUTTERFLIES. 



tifies the preference by proving itself the insect's best 

 friend ; but withal a most provoking opponent to his 

 would-be captor, who may get him safely within the 

 net's mouth at the first stroke, when, ten to one, the 

 trusty bramble-hooks clutch into the gauze, and effec- 

 tually prevent the quick turn of the net that should 

 close it, while the prisoner, seeing his chance, darts out 

 with a sharp rustle that one's irritated feelings easily 

 interpret into a derisive laugh. 



But experience will in time teach the fly-catcher the 

 required adroitness to avoid this humiliating defeat. 



