INTEODUCTION. 
101 
them almost as liberally as similar names are used 
by the fanciers of gigantic gooseberries and peer- 
less tulips, in reference to the objects of their 
predilection. In proportion to the eagerness shown 
in the pursuit, has been the variety of plans adopted 
to obtain specimens with the greatest ease and in 
the best possible condition. One of the most satis- 
factory methods is to rear the larvEB, when these 
can be obtained, till they change to pup®, and the 
moths are thus secured as soon as they emerge, 
with the beauty of their plumage unimpared. hir. 
Kirby mentions, that the seasons in which the 
London amateurs repair to the woods in search of 
larv®, are the beginning of April, June, the begin- 
ning of July, and September ; and they dig for the 
pup® late in July, and in January and February. 
The perfect insects are to be found all the summer 
and autumn, and certain kinds even in winter. 
The attractions of a youthful female of their owm 
species have been already mentioned as affording a 
likely means of procuring several of the larger 
Bombycid®, even in places where they might not 
previously be supposed to exist. Advantage is 
often taken of the propensity which these insects 
show, in common with many other noctiunal ani- 
mals, to repair to a light, when they may be readUy 
seized as they continue to flutter around it in a 
kind of bewildered state. As the most effectual 
means of employing a light, it is recommended that 
it should be placed in a lanthom, and the latter 
fixed on the breast by means of a belt round the 
