CATERPILLARS AND BUTTERFLIES 251 



namental scales and shows naked to the view. It is 

 then a fine, translucent membrane traversed by a net- 

 work of tiny ribs, or nervures, as they are called, 

 which hold it expanded and give it firmness. 



"At rest, butterflies do not all carry their wings 

 in the same manner. Those that fly by day and go 

 from flower to flower in full sunlight, hold their 

 wings erect on the back and folded against each 

 other. These butterflies are also recognized by their 

 brilliant coloring, their lightness on the wing, their 

 grace of form. Those, 1 on the other hand, that fly 

 either by night or at evening twilight bear their 

 wings, in repose, either outspread or else lightly 

 folded in a sort of roof -shape. They are of bulkier 

 form and heavier than the first-mentioned, and 

 sombre hues predominate in their costume. 



"Whether friends of light or fond of darkness, 

 whether courting the sunshine or lovers of the night, 

 butterflies are invariably very abstemious, finding 

 all the nourishment they require in the tiny drop of 

 honey exuding at the bottom of a flower. Many 

 flowers have long and narrow mouths ; no insect muz- 

 zle is slender enough to reach into flasks like these 

 and lap up the syrup, and therefore butterflies must 

 have a special instrument adapted to the purpose. 



" This instrument is the proboscis, as fine as a hair 

 and long enough to reach to the exquisite drop, how- 

 ever deeply it may be hidden. When not in use, this 



iThe author does not, either here or later, distinguish by name, 

 as might have been done, between butterflies and moths. The latter 

 fly mostly in the evening or at night. — Translator; 



