GENERAL ACCOUNT OF BUTTERFLIES 



The duration of the chrysalis state varies 

 greatly ; in the summer time in many cases it is 

 only a few days ; on the other hand, it may be 

 several months, as is the case with those that pass 

 the winter in this state. 



When the butterfly emerges from the chrysa- 

 lis skin, the wings are at first small and limp. 

 The butterfly hangs for a time by the legs ; the 

 wings expand rapidly, and soon become stiff and 

 fitted for flight. On Plate 1, Figure 4, and Plate 

 XXV, Figure 3, are represented recently emerged 

 butterflies which were waiting for their wings to 

 dry. 



V. THE STUDY OF THE LIFE OF BUTTERFLIES 



If one would know the butterflies he must 

 study their lives, and their relations to each other. 

 We do not feel that we are acquainted with a 

 man when we merely know his name ; and our 

 acquaintance with a butterfly is only begun when 

 we have determined its species. The learning of 

 the names of species should be regarded as merely 

 a means, not the end of our studies. It is neces- 

 sary to learn by what name an insect is known in 

 order to find out what has been published regard- 

 ing' it ; but having- learned the name we should 

 not stop there. The name is merely the kev that 



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