*« Sleeving v 
In rearing insects from their ova we learn much 
concerning their habits, and the nearer to their natural 
conditions we can treat them, the more true to life will 
all their actions be. By doing this we greatly increase 
our chance of bringing our labours to a successful issue, 
and a well-filled notebook and a long row of perfect 
specimens are surely worth some time and trouble. 
They who live in the country, or even possess a town 
garden, have an immense advantage in the rearing of 
Lepidoptera. They can grow the food-plants, and 
enclose the larve on them as they grow, thus, perhaps, 
getting as near to natural conditions as is possible, 
and still keeping the insects under observation. 
This process is known as “‘sleeving,”’ and it may be 
described as enclosing a branch or arm of a tree whereon 
the caterpillars are feeding inside a fine muslin sleeve. 
This serves a double purpose: it protects the larve 
from sparrows, ichneumons, and other enemies; and 
they have always an abundance of fresh food and air. 
As the time for entering into the pupa state approaches | 
either of two plans may be adopted (that is, supposing 
that the larve belong to a species which pupates under 
the surface of the soil): they can be removed to a 
regular breeding-cage, the bottom of which is covered 
to a depth of two or three inches with sand and moss ; 
or one may introduce a solid bundle of damp moss into 
the “sleeve,” and as the larve arrive at maturity they 
will enter it and find a suitable place in its darkest 
recesses. When all are settled inthe moss, the bundle 
can be removed for the hatching out. 
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