Beautiful Butterflies. 35 



smaller pipes, so as to form a complete network, as I 

 have before observed. In some species these minute 

 veins are much more numerous than in others, and in 

 some they scarcely or at all occur. 



It may be observed that Butterflies, when at rest, 

 generally carry their wings upright, so that the backs 

 of them meet together, and only the under sides are 

 visible ; and here is an obvious mark of distinction from 

 the Moths, which keep theirs flat, even with the ground, 

 or whatever they may rest on, and so show only the 

 upper part; the flight of the Butterfly, too, is more 

 wavering than that of the Moth generally. It does not 

 go in a direct line, but keeps rising and falling, and 

 herein often lies its safety from the pursuing bird, with 

 whose beak it is level one instant, and the next far 

 above or below it. Thus it is that the weaker creatures 

 are often able to elude or baf&e the pursuit of the 

 stronger by superior cunning or agility — a something 

 which is given as a compensation for want of power, 

 and a means of preservation from their foes. 



Not all the Butterflies, however, are distinguished by 

 this irregular and fitful mode of flight ; some of the 

 larger sorts, which are strong upon the wing, go more 

 directly to their object, and sometimes even make way 

 against currents of air which would make the less 

 weighty and powerful flutterers seek shelter in a lily- 

 bell, or a tent of green leaves. A practical entomolo- 



