46 



occur in woods and their neighbour hood. The 

 far greater proportion of moths may, however, 

 be taken in the abovementionod places, towards 

 the close of the day, or about two hours before 

 sunset; the minute species are generally found 

 at this time: the hedges also should be beaten 

 occasionally and lightly, which will induce many 

 to take to the wing ; the smaller species seldom fly 

 for more than an hour, when they are succeeded 

 by the Phalcena arid Geometra, which are larger, 

 but light on the wing. These will be found 

 sporting about on fine evenings for a consider- 

 able time, indeed till twilight, when they cease 

 to fly: the Noctu&iBombyces, and Hawk-moths 

 will then appear; and on moonlight and fine 

 nights will continue on the wing until midnight. 

 The most successful places for mothing are the 

 skirts of woods under the wind, where there is 

 abundance of plants in blossom, as it is the 

 nectar of flowers on which they feed. Great 

 numbers will also be observed in marshy and 

 swampy places, and on the aquatic plants that 

 grow in ditches and on the banks of rivers. 



The best method, however, of obtaining the 

 finest specimens of the Lepidoptera is to collect 

 the larvae, or caterpillars, and feed them in 

 cages on the plants on which they are found: 



