192 
METHOD OF COLLECTING BUTTERFLIES, 
SPHINGES, AND MOTHS. 
Amost every country on the globe is inhabited 
by numerous species of lepidopterous insects. These 
are habited in more splendid attire as we approach 
the Tropics. 
The localities of the lepidoptera are exceedingly 
varied ; some inhabit open fields, others are to be 
found in the recesses of woods, lanes, and at the 
bottom of hedges. But by far the best way to 
make a collection of this order of insects is, to pro- 
cure them either in the larva or pupa state ; and, if 
in the former condition, they must be fed on their 
natural vegetable diet till they have attained their 
full size, and changed into the pupa condition. In 
this state they must he carefully kept till they trans- 
form into the perfect or imago state. By this means 
they are likely to be more perfect than when taken 
by the net or other means, as the scales or dust 
which invests their wings is very easily removed, 
which renders the insect imperfect, and has a ten- 
deney to destroy its beauty. 
To procure the pups or larvee of lepidopterous 
