GREAT GOAT MOTH. 313 



But how to choose out of such a phalanx? That is the 

 question ; and suppose taking a cursory review of it, with 

 reference to size, colour, and form we note a few individuals 

 among the most distinguished for either attribute. 



For size, we may give priority to the Great Goat Moth, of 

 whose bulky body and dusky wings, of from three to four 

 inches of expansion, we are not unlikely to catch a glimpse 

 by the light of this August moon. This is the great Cossus, 

 of whose proceedings as a carpenter caterpillar we have 

 already given some description,* leaving but little to be said 

 of him here, except that he is wont, about July, or early in 

 the present month, to emerge from his wooden cell, in the 

 heart of oak or willow, in the winged form of perfection, 

 which has taken four years to complete, but which now, in 

 fewer weeks, will cease to exist ! 



" And no great loss either, this dingy insect owl, to the 

 world of grace and beauty !" might some, perhaps, be ready to 

 exclaim, on seeing a specimen of the Great Goat Moth. But 

 differing, with all courtesy, from the taste which can discern 

 no beauty save in varied colours, we must be allowed to ex- 

 press, for ourselves, no little admiration of the sober painting 

 the silvery or ashy gray, clouded with brown and striated 

 with black, which, not unlike the plumage of some veritable 

 owls, adorns the plain-cut pinions of this " owlish " moth. 



But come, ye lovers of the brilliant ! we can now bring 



* See " Moths as Operatives." 



