THE BUTTERFLY'S DEVELOPMENT. 



Give the wings ample time to dry after they have expanded. Some species 

 demand only half an hour, under favorable conditions, but many require three 

 or four hours. Not only must the wings unfold, but the blood must circulate 

 and the various organs of the body be prepared for the functions of life. Few 

 incidents of this fascinating business are of such absorbing interest as the emer- 

 gence of the butterfly from chrysalis and the development of the adult. The 

 unfolding of the wings is frequently exhibited in the film of a moving picture 

 show and is always popular, but to behold the actual process is more interesting 

 than the representation. Every pupil should be provided with a number of 

 pupae in the Spring in order to experience the joy of watching the wondrously 

 beautiful colorings as the wings expand, and to note the stages of development 

 in the newly hatched moth or butterfly. 



"HOW CAN I TELL A PERFECT SPECIMEN?" 



This question is frequently asked. The best answer, though perhaps 

 not the most satisfactory, is to compare the specimen with one which has 

 emerged from pupa and is just ready for its first flight. At this moment the 

 legs, antennae, body and wings are perfect. The scales are all in place, and 

 the delicate tints and lines are at their brightest. The collector frequently finds 

 insects which have hatched that very day and so is often enabled to capture 

 cabinet specimens, but unless he is thus fortunate the brilliant colorings are 

 apt to have faded, and the bloom will have vanished. The butterfly farmer 

 runs no risk whatever. When the creature is ready to fly, when it is absolutely 

 perfect, it is transferred to the cyanide bottle or a few drops of ether, chloro- 

 form or gasoline is applied to its thorax and body. There is no excuse what- 

 ever for placing an imperfect specimen in a paper envelope, or pinning it in 

 a box, if the specimen has been bred. 



MATE IMPERFECT SPECIMENS. 



Not all insects are perfect, however, when they emerge from cocoons. 

 Some accident, some rough handling or sudden jar, or some defect occasioned 

 by improper care of the pupae, will produce crippled or deformed insects. If 

 the proper degree of moisture has not been provided during the pupal stage, 

 imperfections result. The wings will never expand properly. Such specimens 

 should be transferred to the mating cage in the hope of securing eggs. The 

 progeny of a crippled moth will be as perfect as though the mother-moth were 

 not deformed. Physical defects are not transmitted. Males with imperfect 

 wings will frequently mate as readily as others. The mating cage may be as 

 large as a room, or as small as a pasteboard shoe-box, according to the speci- 

 mens mated. Always endeavor to place more males than females in the mating 

 cage. Supply food to such species as have mouth organs. 



CAGED FEMALE AS LURE. 



In the four sides of a paper box, six or eight inches square, cut openings 

 say three by four inches., and paste mosquito bar or netting over the openings. 

 Put a freshly hatched female moth in this box and set it on the sill of an 

 open window, or in the open air, and dozens of males may be attracted. With 



