12U ANIMAL COLORATION. 



exceptionally fortunate (for the insect) result the wonderful 

 "mimicry " of the Kallima butterfly. Indeed, such cases are ex- 

 ceedingly rare. On the other hand, there are a few insects which 

 are absoluteh/ alike in the imago stage, only known to be differ- 

 ent species by the differences in their caterpillars. One of our 

 leading entomologists, Mr. Stainton says — or rather said (I 

 do not know whether he has changed his opinion) — that it is 

 quite impossible to discriminate between the two Dagger 

 moths, Acronycta Psi, and A. triclens : if the pattern has been 

 produced for purjjoses of concealment, which is rather difficult 

 to believe, as there is no object in nature which they resemble 

 I'xacfb/, Mr. Cunningham's objection will have to be recon- 

 sidered. 



Protection often due to Multiplicity of surroumding Objects. 



When a conjurer intends to surprise his audience by the 

 production of an object from some unsuspected quarter, he 

 places it beforehand, with no attempt at concealment, upon the 

 table, which is generalh' covered with various mysterious 

 objects not meant in the least for use. It is concealed uutil 

 the right moment among a multitude of objects, some more^ 

 some less like it. Every one knows from experience how 

 difficult it is to find an object which has fallen upon a carpet 

 with a complicated pattern. We find exactly the same 

 principle in Nature. 



Prof. Drummond gives a good instance of this.* " One of 

 the most beautiful and ornate of all the tropical reptiles is the 

 puff-adder. This animal, the bite of which is certain death, 

 is from three to five feet long, and disproportionately thick, 

 being in some parts almost as thick as the lower part of the 

 thigh. The whole body is ornamented with strange devices 



* " Tropical Africa," p. 17'). 



