OBSERVATIONS UPON THE EGG STATE. 



"Write down in your note book how the egg is laid; whether unattached 

 or attached, and if the latter, by what means, and also by what part of its sur- 

 face; the position of the female and of her abdomen at the time of laying, whether 

 hovering, at rest, or in what other act; whether the eggs are laid singly or in 

 batches, and if the latter, the number, and whether unarranged or how arranged; 

 the total number deposited," and whether nude or covered, and in the latter how 

 covered or protected, together with any exceptions, individual, special, natural, 

 or abnormal; when laid, at what date or dates, at what time of day or night, at 

 what intervals, how long after mating, how long after emergence of the female, 

 noting also exception; where laid, if not on the food-plant, where; if on the food, 

 the exact position, as well as exceptional instances which may come under notice; 

 the duration of the egg state, in species and in individual cases; influences of tem- 

 perature, soil, locality, altitude, time of year, etc., which promote, retard or modify 

 the natural changes; the appearance of the egg itself, as to form, color or colors, 

 markings, elevations, depressions, sculpture on the surface, together with changes, 

 normal as well as irregular, from the time of exclusion to that of hatching." H. 

 Guard Knaggs, M. D. F. L. S. in "The Lepidopterist's Guide." 



HELP PREPARE FOODPLANT LISTS. 



Scientists, collectors, and especially all butterfly farmers, are earnestly re- 

 quested to assist me in the preparation of perfect foodplant charts. It is a work 

 which may require years to accomplish, and I take this opportunity of impressing 

 upon the minds of all who are interested that I wish all the help that I can receive. 

 Every time you succeed in rearing larvae by feeding them the leaves of foodplants 

 not given in the charts kindly give me exact data on the subject. I have a con- 

 siderable number of the Foodplant Charts which I will send upon request to any 

 address. I will be sincerely grateful for corrections from botanists or entomologists, 

 and for each addition or suggestion which can be made. Never before in the 

 history of entomological work have so many people become interested in rearing 

 butterflies and moths from eggs and larvae, and perfect foodplant lists will be of 

 incalculable benefit to all these butterfly farmers. Intense interest has been awak- 

 ened in this method of obtaining perfect specimens and I predict that this interest 

 will continue to increase each year. Nearly every one will make some discovery 

 in the matter of foodplants which will be of value to others, and I will consider 

 it an honor to assist in compiling and publishing these discoveries. 



IN CONCLUSION. 



I have tried to instruct beginners in plain, simple language, upon all matters 

 necessary to enable them to engage in butterfly farming. Scientific books can be 

 consulted when one seeks advanced knowledge of entomological work. The study 

 of the life history of the larva is an important branch of this advanced work which 

 each pupil is urged to master, but it would merely confuse a beginner. In selecting 

 material I have been guided by the belief that what was useful to me would be 

 useful to other amateurs. My greatest aim has been to inspire a love for the 

 beautiful in entomology. I think this is why my work has attracted attention and 

 why it has received widespread publicity. My greatest wish has been to add 

 happiness and sunshine to the lives of my pupils. This earth is one of the stars 

 and a part of heaven. 



Address all letters: 



(MISS) XIMENA McGLASHAN, 



Truckee, California. 



198 



