1875-1876.] J 93 



there was a sheet of water suddenly gleaming below, and leaped,, 

 to find myself up to my neck in a bog hole, and I almost fancied 

 I heard the Emperor say " ha-ha-ha" as it flew serenely on its 

 royal path. For the capture of day-fliers I have no specific direc- 

 tions ; but a quick eye, a swift foot, and a sure hand, acquired by 

 practice, and the caution — never to chase an insect if there is a 

 hope of your catching it without a chase, nor to rush rashly forward, 

 when it is about to settle, so as to frighten it away. 



As to the night fliers, there are many different modes of capture, 

 and some species will be taken by one method which will never be 

 taken by another. In the early evening, from about eight o'clock, 

 Geometridse may be taken on the wing by means of the net. I 

 have found a hedge-row to be the best locality, especially if near a 

 wood or plantation. As you walk along the row, about two yards 

 from the hedge the moths will be distinctly seen, between you 

 and the dark background of the hedge, or if they rise higher, 

 against the sky. Many Noctuae may also thus be taken, their time 

 of flight is however later, not sooner than half-past eight o'clock in 

 the summer months. Flowers are the feeding grounds of most 

 moths, and should be carefully watched. Early in the evening, in 

 the twilight, many may be captured hovering over the flowers or 

 lighted on them ; later in the evening, with the aid of a lantern, 

 they may also be found, and many secured at rest feasting on their 

 favourite sweets. If fortunate enough to capture any of the larger 

 Sphinges on the wing, it will be at flowers either in early evening 

 or early morning. I captured two fine specimens of S. Convolvuli 

 the same evening at one plant, and another evening seven speci- 

 mens of C. Elpenor, while C. Procellus is generally taken at honey- 

 suckle. The flower resorts which I have found most prolific are 

 the following. In gardens — beds of petunias, carnations, ver- 

 benas ; shrubs — arbutus, rhododendron, raspberry, gooseberry, 

 privet hedges : of all flower baits, however, the Sally bloom in 

 early spring, and the Ivy bloom in autumn, are by far the most 

 productive. With reference to the former, you may take your 

 stand net in hand at the lee side of the tree which is in bloom, 



