65 



INTRODUCTION. 



But O ! what terms expressive may relate 



The change, the splendour of their new-formed state ! 



Their texture, nor composed of filmy skin, 



Of cumbrous flesh without, or bone within, 



But something than corporeal more refined, 



And agile as their blithe informing mind. 



In every eye ten thousand brilliants blaze, 



And living pearls the vast horizon gaze ; 



Gemmed o'er their heads the mines of India gleam, 



And heaven's own wardrobe has arrayed their frame : 



Each spangled back bright sprinkled specks adorn, 



Each plume imbibes the rosy tinctured morn, 



Spread on each wing the florid seasons glow, 



Shaded and verged with the celestial bow : 



Where colours blend an ever varying dye, 



And wanton in their gay exchanges vie. 



Brooke. 



Having already discussed the general history of 

 butterflies at considerable length, in a volume de- 

 voted to the illustration of the kinds found in Bri- 

 tain, it is not our intention to resume the subject 

 in this place, further than to make a few remarks 

 on certain peculiarities presented by many foreign 

 species, a selection from which forms the subject of 

 the present volume. 



VOL. XXXI. e 



