VADE MECUM. 



21 



fined to England, where it might he attributed to our '• ever 

 varying clime ;" hut occurs also in tropical countries.* 



When winter has dismantled the trees of their foliage, 

 nature is deprived of her Butterflies ; by the genial influence 

 of spring, however, our groves, hedges, and fields are again 

 peopled, and Caterpillai-s are to be seen feeding upon the 

 promise of the year, even before the leaves are completely 

 unfolded. The same power that pushes forth the budding 

 leaf and opening flower, impels the insect also to animation, 

 and the guest and banquet appear furnished together. It is 

 in pursuit of Butterflies and Cateri)illars, as well as other 

 insects, that we are favoured with the visits of many of onr 

 most beautifiil songsters, who delight us only during their 

 continuance, and leave us when they disappear. 



Caterpillars are found in Europe fi-om the spring to the 

 autumn of the year, and some live through the ivinter ; in 

 this state, however, they decrea.se in bulk, but are still 

 attached to the stems of trees. On the rising of the sap they 

 resume their usual vigour, and after feeding on the tender 

 shoots, as .summer advances, retire to the pupa .state. 



At the beginning of April they may be plentifully found 

 amid various kinds of trees, shrubs, plants, and weeds. 

 Several smart strokes with a beating .stick will be necessary 

 to dislodge many of the Caterpillars. The be.st time for 

 obtaining them is very early in the morning and late in tlie 

 evening, a-s the greater part feed only during the night and 

 conceal them.selves by day. The middle and latter end of 

 May is the harvest to the collector of .spring Cateq)illars ; 

 or if the season be backward, from the beginning to the 

 middle of June. Care must be taken to put with the Catcr- 



• Samouelle's Diicctioiis for Preserving Insects, p. 18,43. 



