192 



METHOD OF COLLECTING BUTTERFLIES, 

 SPHINGES, AND MOTHS. 



ALMOST every country on the globe is inhabited^ 

 by numerous species of lepidopterous insects. These 

 are habited in more splendid attire as we approach 

 the Tropics. 



The localities of the lepidoptera are exceedingly} 

 varied ; some inhabit open fields, others are to lorn 

 found in the recesses of woods, lanes, and at thef 

 bottom of hedges. But by far the best way t<| 

 make a collection of this order of insects is, to pro-'- 

 cure them either in the larva or pupa state ; and, if! 

 in the former condition, they must be fed on their 

 natural vegetable diet till they have attained their 

 full size, and changed into the pupa condition. In- 

 this state they must be carefully kept till they trans- 

 form into the perfect or imago state. By this meang 

 they are likely to be more perfect than when taken 

 by the net or other means, as the scales or dust 

 which invests their wings is very easily removed/ 

 which renders the insect imperfect, and has a ten- 

 dency to destroy its beauty. 



To procure the pupse or larvse of lepidopterous 



