MOTHS OF THE LIMBERLOST 



pose, and nothing introduced that detracts from the 

 central interest. 



Almost without exception each illustration of this book 

 conforms to these requirements; if one does not, I have 

 explained why in the text of that chapter. Then with 

 the finest water colours and brushes I could buy, using 

 the living, newly emerged moth for my model, I have 

 copied line and colour as exactly as lay in my power. 

 Having undertaken the work with no knowledge of 

 water colours and gone on with it by applying what I 

 knew of work in oils to the different medium, it is very 

 possible that some of it may appear crude in its finer 

 details, but you will have the satisfaction of knowing 

 you possess a handmade, homemade book, and that 

 colour markings, pose, and background are right. 



Perhaps you have been smiling as you read because I 

 have dignified my illustration by repeatedly referring to 

 it as "studies," of differing subjects. If you have, 

 think again before you indulge in any more mirth at 

 my expense. I have undertaken all the work and used 

 the time necessary to secure these illustrations as I have 

 described, also I have gone farther and raised most of 

 the subjects by hand, which begins with watching the 

 egg period, runs through weeks of exacting and scrupu- 

 lous work in feeding and cleaning after caterpillars, 

 providing spinning locations, properly caring for cocoon 

 or pupae through months of changing winter weather, 



276 



