Cabbage-whites and Cabbages 



213 



to stereotype the life tendencies or habits which we now 

 observe. We must further keep in mind that the pea is only 

 one instance amongst thousands of the adaptative develop- 

 ments which have taken place throughout all Nature. 



CABBAGE-WHITES AND CABBAGES. 



It might seem a mean and pitiful procedure to proclaim a 

 crusade against white butterflies. The delicate and beautiful 

 creatures, which flutter about our gardens and are content 

 with the least possible taste of honey, look very innocent and 

 make claim on our admiring protection rather than persecu- 

 tion. Besides, is it just to hold an abstemious butterfly 

 responsible for the misdoings of a greedy caterpillar. So far, 

 however, as the economy of Nature is open to us we can only 

 believe that it would be an immense gain if the race of white 

 butterflies, comprising all those of its species, were brought 

 to an end. The ravages of their larval form in cabbage plots 

 is a really serious matter. They may, and often do, destroy 

 a whole field. Nor is it enough for ladies to allege that they 

 do not care for cabbage, and that the butterflies are welcome. 

 These cabbages are not for ladies' eating, but are the food 

 upon which our milch cows are to be fed in winter. A good 

 cabbage field is invaluable to the farmer for profit, and to 

 his stock for their daily food. That it should be destroyed 

 by a set of ravenous caterpillars is intolerable. 



Miss Ormerod, and many others of most humane hearts, 

 have felt compelled to abandon the impudent sparrow to his 

 enemies, and to admit that his deeds are, in their gross result, 

 evil. The sparrow, however, does eat some insects and some 

 seeds of weeds, but the white butterfly has no per contra 

 account. Like the unfortunate tallow-chandler in the child's 

 riddle, all his deeds are wicked. 



