180 
PURPLE EMPEROR. 
without a battle, flying upwards all the while, and 
combating with each other as much as possible, after 
which they will frequently return again to the iden- 
tical sprigs from whence they ascended. The wings 
of this fine species are of a stronger texture than 
those of any other in Britain, and more calculated 
for that gay and powerful flight which is so much 
admired by entomologists. The females, like those 
of many other species, are very rarely seen on the 
wing ; in three days I captured twenty-three (nine of 
them in one day), and never took a female at all. 
The males fly very high, and are only to be taken 
by a bag-net, fixed to the end of a rod twenty or 
thirty feet long. There have been instances, though 
very rare, of their settling on the ground near puddles 
of water, and being taken there. When the Purple 
Emperor is within reach, no fly is more easily taken ; 
for he is so very bold and fearless, that he will not 
move from his settling-place until you quite push 
him off ; you may even tip the ends of his wings, 
and be suffered to strike him again.” 
