-
Notifications
You must be signed in to change notification settings - Fork 0
/
pg73622.txt
executable file
·5251 lines (3542 loc) · 196 KB
/
pg73622.txt
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494
495
496
497
498
499
500
501
502
503
504
505
506
507
508
509
510
511
512
513
514
515
516
517
518
519
520
521
522
523
524
525
526
527
528
529
530
531
532
533
534
535
536
537
538
539
540
541
542
543
544
545
546
547
548
549
550
551
552
553
554
555
556
557
558
559
560
561
562
563
564
565
566
567
568
569
570
571
572
573
574
575
576
577
578
579
580
581
582
583
584
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598
599
600
601
602
603
604
605
606
607
608
609
610
611
612
613
614
615
616
617
618
619
620
621
622
623
624
625
626
627
628
629
630
631
632
633
634
635
636
637
638
639
640
641
642
643
644
645
646
647
648
649
650
651
652
653
654
655
656
657
658
659
660
661
662
663
664
665
666
667
668
669
670
671
672
673
674
675
676
677
678
679
680
681
682
683
684
685
686
687
688
689
690
691
692
693
694
695
696
697
698
699
700
701
702
703
704
705
706
707
708
709
710
711
712
713
714
715
716
717
718
719
720
721
722
723
724
725
726
727
728
729
730
731
732
733
734
735
736
737
738
739
740
741
742
743
744
745
746
747
748
749
750
751
752
753
754
755
756
757
758
759
760
761
762
763
764
765
766
767
768
769
770
771
772
773
774
775
776
777
778
779
780
781
782
783
784
785
786
787
788
789
790
791
792
793
794
795
796
797
798
799
800
801
802
803
804
805
806
807
808
809
810
811
812
813
814
815
816
817
818
819
820
821
822
823
824
825
826
827
828
829
830
831
832
833
834
835
836
837
838
839
840
841
842
843
844
845
846
847
848
849
850
851
852
853
854
855
856
857
858
859
860
861
862
863
864
865
866
867
868
869
870
871
872
873
874
875
876
877
878
879
880
881
882
883
884
885
886
887
888
889
890
891
892
893
894
895
896
897
898
899
900
901
902
903
904
905
906
907
908
909
910
911
912
913
914
915
916
917
918
919
920
921
922
923
924
925
926
927
928
929
930
931
932
933
934
935
936
937
938
939
940
941
942
943
944
945
946
947
948
949
950
951
952
953
954
955
956
957
958
959
960
961
962
963
964
965
966
967
968
969
970
971
972
973
974
975
976
977
978
979
980
981
982
983
984
985
986
987
988
989
990
991
992
993
994
995
996
997
998
999
1000
The Project Gutenberg eBook of The english moths and butterflies
This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online
at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States,
you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located
before using this eBook.
Title: The english moths and butterflies
Together with the plants, flowers, and fruits whereon they feed, and are usually found.
Author: Benjamin Wilkes
Release date: May 13, 2024 [eBook #73622]
Language: English
Original publication: London: Wilkes, 1749
Credits: Frank van Drogen, A Marshall and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ENGLISH MOTHS AND BUTTERFLIES ***
TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE
Italic text is denoted with _underscores_.
Test emphasized with spacing is denoted with ~tildes~.
Errata listed in front matter have been applied to the book.
Some minor changes to the text are noted at the end of the book.
THE
English Moths and Butterflies:
_Together with_
_The_ Plants, Flowers, _and_ Fruits _whereon they_ Feed,
_and are_ usually Found.
All _Drawn_ and _Coloured_ in such a Manner, as to _represent_ their
several _beautiful Appearances_,
_Being copied exactly from the_ Subjects themselves, _and Painted on
the best_ Atlas _Paper_.
Together with an Attempt towards a _Natural History_ of the said
_Moths_ and _Butterflies_.
This work consists of one Hundred and Twenty
Copper Plates, with a particular Account
of the _Flies_ represented in the said Plates setting forth
the true Times of their Appearance in the _Caterpillar_,
_Chrysalis_, and _Fly_ State; the most ready Means
of finding them; the Method of managing and preserving
them; their Ways of feeding; the several Plants
they feed on; and, in a Word, everything yet known
relating to their _Natural History_. Together with
the Names of the _Plants_, _Flowers_, _Fruits_ &c.
_The Price of this Work colour’d is_ Nine Pounds;
Which for the Conveniency of the Buyer is divided into four Parts,
and each Part, or any single Number, may be had separately.
_Uncoloured_ Three Pounds Thirteen Shillings _and_ Sixpence, or Two
Shillings _and_ Sixpence each Number.
_The Natural History by itself_ Ten Shillings _and_ Sixpence.
LONDON;
PRINTED for, and Sold by _BENJAMIN WILKES_, the Proprietor,
in _Fleetstreet_.
TO
MARTIN FOLKES, Esq; PRESIDENT,
_And to the_
COUNCIL and FELLOWS of the
ROYAL SOCIETY
OF
LONDON.
GENTLEMEN,
I Humbly take the Liberty to address this Work to You, and presume
to hope, from Your exact Knowledge of the Subjects it contains, and
Your having been pleased to countenance the several Parts of it, as
they were published, with Your Acceptance and Approbation, that You
will not, now they are put together, deny them the Honour of Your
Patronage.
The Institution of Your Society for the Improvement of Natural
Knowledge, must render it not improper to lay before You every
Attempt towards such Improvement. On the contrary, You have a sort of
Right to expect, that every Author in Natural History, should submit
his Labours to Your Examination, and think himself happy if they will
stand the Test of Your Judgment.
The Animal and Vegetable Parts of the Creation afford endless Stores
for the Enquiry and Entertainment of the curious Naturalist: and
some of the most beautiful of each Sort, are here presented to the
Eye, in their true Size, Form, and Colour. Nor will it be objected
by You, that too much Time and Pains has been bestowed on a Company
of Insects, which few People trouble themselves about; for true
Philosophy teaches, that the meanest thing God has made, is not below
the Dignity of the most exalted of mortal Men to consider. But the
Creatures here exhibited, are adorned with such a Variety of Beauty
to engage our Notice, and undergo such amazing Changes in their Form
and Appearance, that a thinking Mind can hardly avoid regarding them
with uncommon Pleasure and a more than ordinary Attention.
Little, perhaps, is wanting to make the Study of Nature universally
pursued, than to render it easy and intelligible; for, surely, the
Understanding God has given us, can never be more properly employed,
than in examining and considering those Proofs of his Divine Goodness
and Power, which are placed every where around us. This is a most
reasonable and satisfactory Entertainment; and I am fully persuaded,
many of You, Gentlemen, have often experienced more real Pleasure
from such Examinations, than those who know nothing of them can
possibly conceive.
My Attempt towards a Natural History of the _English Moths_ and
_Butterflies_, (which is here added to the Paintings of them) wherein
they are divided into Classes, and their several Progressions and
Changes from the Egg to the Fly-state are described, (and that not
from Books or Conjectures, but from actual Experiments and close
Observation) will, I hope, meet with Your Approbation.
But not to be longer troublesome than to beg Pardon for this
Presumption, and with a continual increase of Prosperity and Honour
to the ROYAL SOCIETY of _London_, permit me to subscribe myself,
GENTLEMEN,
_Your most obedient_,
_Humble Servant_,
BENJAMIN WILKES.
[Illustration: (Decorative header)]
THE PREFACE.
_The Painting of HISTORY PIECES and PORTRAITS in Oyl being the
Profession of the Author of this Work, he frequently found himself
at a Loss, in the Course of his Employment, to understand with
Certainty what Colours would contrast with and set off each other
to the best Advantage; and perhaps had still remained under the
same Difficulties, had he not been led by Accident into the Means
of learning all this from Nature, which undoubtedly is the best
Instructor.
It happened that a Friend invited him one Evening, to bear him
Company to a Society named the AURELIAN: the agreeable Purpose of
which is, to become acquainted with that Part of Natural Philosophy
which relates to the Generation and Properties of Insects, of which
they have a fine Collection. And here he first saw such Specimens
of Nature’s admirable Skill in the Disposition, Arrangement,
and contrasting of Colours (particularly amongst the Moths and
Butterflies) as struck him with Amazement, and convinced him, at the
same Time, that studying them would turn greatly to his Advantage.
With this View he desired to become a Member of the AURELIAN
SOCIETY, and soon after had the Honour to be admitted; when, by his
own Diligence, together with the genenerous and kind Assistance
of some Gentlemen of the Society, it was not long before he had
acquired a tolerable Collection of English MOTHS and BUTTERFLIES;
and for ten Years past his leisure Hours have chiefly been employed
in the collecting and making Drawings of the different ~English
Caterpillars~, ~Aureliæ~ or ~Chrysalides~, ~Flies~, &c. that he could
any Ways obtain; and in making such Observations and Remarks thereon
as shall now, with all Submission, be laid before the Publick.
He has been greatly assisted in this Work by that well-known and
ingenious Naturalist, Mr. ~Joseph Dandridge~; to whose noble
Collection he had free Access during his Life-time, and also the
Liberty of making what Use he thought fit of his curious Remarks on
these Subjects, which were the Fruits of no less than forty Years
Experience. And he is still favoured in the like Manner by his
Successors, as often as he finds Occasion.
Respect to the Memory of this valuable and worthy Man, will not
suffer him to omit this Opportunity of giving him the Character
that is most justly his due, viz. That he was a Person of unbounded
Curiosity, and unwearied Application in his Researches into the Works
of Nature; in the Study of which all those Hours were employed that
could be spared from his immediate Business; by which Means, during a
long Life, he had not only got together a great Variety of the most
rare natural Productions, but also from Time to Time had written down
his Observations thereon, which deserve the highest Regard, as his
Judgment and Veracity were both without Exception. And, as he loved
these Studies himself, he was a zealous Encourager of all that had
the same Inclination, whom he was always ready to assist with his
laboriously acquired Knowledge.
But to proceed—He must also acknowledge, that in the Course of this
Undertaking he has made use of the Drawings of some Caterpillars and
Flies which were published not long ago in a curious Work of this
Sort, by ~J. A. Rosel~, at ~Norimburgh~, in ~Germany~: But he has
taken from him such only as are exactly of the same Species with
what we have in England, though we have not yet been so fortunate
to meet with them under all their several Changes: what Information
that Gentleman has given, as to those Particularities concerning them
which we are yet unacquainted with, he therefore judged proper to
insert.
As to the ~Plants~, ~Flowers~, and ~Fruits~, he declares himself
under the highest Obligation to a most curious Naturalist, and
worthy Member of the Royal Society of ~London~, whose costly and
valuable Collection is known to the learned World, and esteemed as
it deserves. This Gentleman has generously permitted him to make use
of many excellent Paintings of these Subjects, which were taken from
Nature by those two celebrated Artists Mr. ~George Dennis Ehret~,
and Mr. ~Jacobus Van Heysum~, and executed with the utmost Judgment
and Command of Pencil, so that he could hardly doubt but that true
Copies of them would give great Pleasure to the Lovers of Botany,
whom he has endeavoured to entertain with all the Variety he could
introduce.
Some Ill-natured People, that love to find Fault with every Thing,
have, he hears, objected against the Liberty he has taken, in giving
in several of his Plates, ~Plants~, ~Flowers~, and ~Fruits~, that
are not in Reality the Food of the ~Caterpillars~ therein exhibited;
but as the greatest Part of the ~Caterpillars~ described in this
Work feed chiefly on the ~Oak~, ~Elm~, ~Black-Thorn~, ~White-Thorn~,
~Willow~, and ~Nettle~, all which are separately represented in
different Plates, it was judged unnecessary (and would certainly
have been tiresom) to repeat those Subjects, as often as different
~Caterpillars~ are presented to which they serve for Food: and
therefore, instead of so doing, the Author has enriched his
Undertaking with some of the most beautiful Productions of Nature
in the Vegetable Kingdom: But, however, has not forgot to place the
~Caterpillars~, in most of the Plates, on a small Specimen of the
real Plant on which it feeds, as will be properly explained in the
Account of each Particular ~Fly~:—and this Care, it is hoped will be
an Answer to all unreasonable Cavils.
The ~Plates~ are all drawn and etched with his own Hand, in a quite
new Manner; whereby every Design, when coloured, appears like a
regular Piece of Painting; and the ~Flies~ are drawn and Painted with
the utmost Exactness, from as fine and perfect Specimens as can be
bred. The common Method of amusing the Reader with long Accounts of
the Colours and Markings of each ~Fly~ is avoided in this Work, as
entirely needless, when the Objects are truly represented before his
Eyes.
His Classing of the ~Caterpillars~ will be found of great Use; for
if it be enquired what ~Fly~ any ~Caterpillar~ that may happen to
present itself will produce, by observing its Character you will
easily be satisfied (if it is in this Collection) and be likewise
taught what its proper Food is, &c. ~Names~ are absolutely necessary
to distinguish one ~Fly~ from another, and enable the Curious in
this Study to communicate any Observations they may make; which,
without giving Names to the ~Flies~, would be very difficult, if
even possible to be done; as they must be greatly at a Loss to make
others perfectly understand what ~Flies~ they are treating of. The
worthy Members of the AURELIAN SOCIETY, and several other ingenious
Gentlemen, have been so sensible of this, that they, from Time to
Time, have thought proper to bestow some Name on every Species that
has come within their Knowledge._
_Indeed Names are arbitrary, and if remembered, and the Intent of
them well understood, may, whatever they are, serve the Purpose of
giving them: But here, as in every Thing else, a Propriety is to be
aimed at, and the Names given ought to denote some distinguishing
Particularity, and that the most obvious, in the Subject on which
they are bestowed, so as to make the Name, if possible, descriptive
of the Thing: Which Rule has been followed as strictly as might be in
naming the ~Moths~ and ~Butterflies~ contained in this Work: that is
to say, the Shape, the Colour, the Marking, the Food, or the Place
where found is what they are named from. But in doing this, where the
Author found them named to his Hands in this descriptive Manner, he
has gladly retained the Name they had already, and only presumes to
bestow Names himself on such as either had none at all, or which he
thought not sufficiently denotative of the particular Flies intended
to be known by them.
The Division of the Work into Books and Chapters may need some
Explanation, since under some of the Divisions very few, or even but
one single ~Fly~ is placed; the Reason whereof is, that the Plan
here laid down is intended for the Arranging of all the ~Moths~
and ~Butterflies~, whose Progression is known at present, or shall
hereafter be discovered in ~England~; of which, as the ~Flies~
here given are but a small Part, this must be considered but as an
Out-line to be filled up occasionally.
It is hoped the Directions here given how to collect the
~Caterpillars~ or ~Chrysalides~, how to feed and take Care of them,
how to preserve the ~Flies~ when bred, and where and at what Times
they may be found most easily, will prove both acceptable and useful
to every curious Collector; and as the Author thinks himself under
great Obligations to the Subscribers to, and Encouragers of this
Undertaking, a List of their Names is added as a Memorial of his
Gratitude.
These Things being premised, we come now to give a short Sketch of
the Natural History of the ~English Moths~ and ~Butterflies~ in
general._
[Illustration:(Decorative design)]
INTRODUCTION.
Of MOTHS and BUTTERFLIES in general.
The Opinion of _Equivocal Generation_ however formerly received, has
by the present Age been deservedly rejected; since every Observation
proves, that all Creatures are produced by Parents of their own
Kind, and that in general those Parents are Male and Female; and
the Production of every _Moth_ and _Butterfly_ in this Manner, is I
believe at present not doubted by any Body.
The Females, both of the _Moth_ and _Butterfly_, lay their Eggs in
a short Time after Copulation, _upon_ or contiguous _to_ what will
supply proper Food for the young Brood when produced. After a certain
Period the Infant _Caterpillars_ included in the Eggs burst their
Shells, crawl forth, and feed upon the Provision ready prepared for
them. And each of these _Caterpillars_, having fed its appointed
Time, becomes a _Chrysalis_ or _Aurelia_; from which State, after a
while, it issues forth a _Fly_ in the Likeness of its Parent.
Some Species of _Butterflies_ breed twice a Year. Those that come
forth in _May_ lay their Eggs soon after, which Eggs in about
nine Days Time are hatched. The _Caterpillars_ feed for about six
Weeks, then change to _Chrysalis_, lie in that State for about
fourteen Days, and then the _Flies_ are bred. These lay their Eggs
as the first Brood did, the _Caterpillars_ change to _Chrysalis_ in
_September_, and the _Flies_ come forth in the following _May_.
The Variety of the _Moth_ Kinds is so great, that perhaps there is
scarce a Day in the Year when some of them are not bred. The Time
of their Continuance in the _Chrysalis_ State will be best known by
attending to the Account of each _Moth_ described in the following
Plates. Some _Moths_ as well as _Butterflies_ breed twice a Year.
It frequently happens, that the _Fly_ does not come out at the
usual Time, but continues in the _Chrysalis_ State till that Time
Twelvemonth; so that the Creature remains in that Case a Year and
nine Months (and sometimes longer) in a State of Rest, without
Nourishment of any kind.
Thus much in general:—We descend now to particular Observations.
On the different Manner of laying their Eggs.
All _Butterflies_ and _Moths_ lay a great Number of Eggs, some even
as far as two or three Hundred. The Eggs of some Kinds are glutenous,
or covered with a glewy Moisture; but those of others are not so:
The glutenous are fixt (sometimes singly) on _Grass_, _the Leaves
of Trees_, _Shrubs_, &c. and sometimes in Clusters after the same
Manner. Some Sorts of Eggs are laid naked or uncovered, and others
are cloath’d with a sort of Down, _&c._ Some _Flies_ lay them in a
Spiral Line, or Screw-like Figure, round a small Twigg, a Stalk of
Grass, _&c._ And these may be pulled off entire, in Fashion like a
Cylindrical Tube, and as hard as Horn: Others deposit theirs in the
Chinks of the _Barks of Trees_, &c. &c. &c.
It is observeable, that the whole Process from the Egg, to the _Fly_,
of many Species, is perform’d in about sixty Days. But the _Goat
Moth_ is an Exception to this Rule, being reported to be three Years
proceeding from the Egg to the _Fly_ State.
Of the Eggs.
The Eggs are of various Forms; some are round, some are oval, and
many of the _Moth-Kind_ flat, and perforated through the Middle; so
that the _Embrios_ or _Caterpillars_ lie curl’d up before they are
hatch’d, as they frequently do afterwards when come to Maturity. They
are found of all manner of Colours, and many of them are extremely
beautiful if view’d with a Microscope; some being curiously rib’d
and adorn’d with _Protuberances_, _&c._ like the nicest carved Work;
others marbled and spotted with an amazing Variety of delightful
colouring.
_Of_ CATERPILLARS.
Caterpillars are usually divided into the Naked and Cloathed Kinds.
Among the Cloath’d some have only small Tufts of Hair or Down, others
are cover’d all over with it.
The _Caterpillars_ of all known _Butterflies_ have six Hooks or Claws
before, eight Feet in the Middle of their Body, and two Holders
behind. Those that produce _Moths_ have all six Hooks or Claws
before, and Holders behind. Some have eight Feet in the Middle, some
four, and some only two next their Holders.
Some Species of _Caterpillars_ always feed inclos’d or spun up in the
Leaves they feed upon, others take their Food openly and in Sight.
Some are sociable and herd together whilst young, but when they
change their third Skin they grow unsociable and feed separately.
Others are born unsociable, and feed separately from their Infancy.
Some Species spin a large Web that will contain an hundred
_Caterpillars_, or more, from which they never go far till they have
eat up all the Leaves that are near thereto: Then they spin a new
Web, and so (shifting their Quarters) in a short Time, instead of
the green Leaves that they have devoured, leave the Tree, or Bush,
covered only with their white Webs.
Some Sorts, when disturbed, let themselves down by a Thread like a
Spider, by which Means they avoid being devoured by other Insects
that have not the Means of following them, _&c._
Of the Food of CATERPILLARS, and their Manner of Feeding.
Their Food is almost general, but some Kinds will eat nothing except
their own particular Trees, or Plants.
Some Species feed upon Herbage, others live and feed upon the solid
Parts of Trees, and Barks.
Some dwell in the Earth, or other private Recesses in the Day-time,
and at Night come forth, and feed on Grass, Flowers, _&c._ Others
again feed on the different Kinds of Mosses, Heath, Broom, the Leaves
of Trees, Shrubs, _&c._
Some feed upon the Waters naked and exposed, and others make
themselves Cases of Sticks, Rushes, _&c._ in the Waters, where they
get their Food.
Of the Forms of CATERPILLARS.
The Variety and Beauty which present themselves to our Eyes in the
Form and Colouring of _Caterpillars_, are no less remarkable than the
_Flies_ themselves, as the Reader will be satisfied by examining the
following Plates.
Of the Change of CATERPILLARS into the _Chrysalis_ State.
When a _Caterpillar_ has fed its appointed Time, and is come to full
Maturity, it undergoes a Change, and becomes a Body of a different
Form, incrusted with a Shell, and usually called a _Chrysalis_ or
_Aurelia_; the Shell of which is formed underneath the Skin of the
_Caterpillar_, which Skin comes off as soon as the _Aurelia_ becomes
perfect.
Of the CHRYSALIS or AURELIA.
During its Continuance in the _Chrysalis_ State, it seems to have
no Sense but Feeling; and some of them have even that in a very low
Degree, for they may be touched pretty roughly without moving.
The _Chrysalides_ or _Aureliæ_ of the _Butterfly-Kind_ are all very
beautiful; some of them look as if they were studded with Gold; some
are striped, others spotted, and others mottled with all the various
Colours of the Rainbow. But those of the _Moth-Kind_ are not so;
differing very little from one another, either in Shape or Colour,
except the Magpye, and some few besides.
How the _Aurelia_ or _Chrysalis_ is secured.
Nothing in Nature is perhaps more deserving Notice, than the
many different Methods whereby _Caterpillars_ conceal and secure
themselves whilst in this helpless and unactive Condition.
Some of them spin a large Case of Silk in Form of an Egg, wherein the
_Chrysalis_ lies concealed, till the Time comes for the _Fly_ to make
its Appearance, which it does by piercing through this Case.
Of such Cases there are several Sorts, different in Form and Colour:
Some are long, and drawn out to a Point at each End; others are more
round.
The Texture of some is very thick and close.
Others are thin, like Gause, insomuch that the _Chrysalis_ may be
seen thorough them.
Some _Aureliæ_ are white, some yellow, and others of different Hues;
and most of the hairy _Caterpillars_ intermix their Hair amongst the
Spinning.
Some _Caterpillars_ form a hard-crusted Case, composed of silk
Threads glewed together, in such Manner as to become hard like an
Egg-shell, so that when the _Fly_ comes out, a round Hole like a Door
appears.
The Silk-spinning _Caterpillars_ are of various Kinds, and deposit
their _Aureliæ_ in different Places, and in different Manners, _viz._
some fasten them on the Leaves and Stalks of Plants, without any
Covering; others spin the Leaves over them; others lodge them in
Holes and Crevices; and others in the Earth.
Many of the _Moth-Kind_ place their _Chrysalis_ in the Earth, about
an Inch or two deep, surrounding it with a Case of Earth lined with
a glutenous Matter, that no Wet can penetrate: And what is very
surprizing, notwithstanding the extreme Delicacy and Tenderness of
the _Fly_ when first bred, be the Ground never so hard, it makes its
way thorough it without ruffling a single Feather.
Few, if any, of the _Butterfly-Kind_ form a Case or Spinning,
except what fastens the Tail and Body of the _Chrysalis_. Some hang
perpendicularly downwards, and others in an horizontal Position,
being fastened by the Tail, with a Thread round the Back and on each
Side. Some are secured within the Leaves spun together; others are
hid in the Hollows and Barks of Trees; and others again under the
Copings of Walls, in Houses, Sheds, _&c._
Of the FLY.
After the _Chrysalis_ has remained its due Time, the _Fly_ bursts the
Shell wherein it was contained, and comes out formed perfectly in
every Part, except the Wings, which then appear too small to cover
its Body. In this naked Condition it crawls up to some convenient
Place, where its Wings may hang down without any Hindrance: And when
thus disposed, the Wings begin to expand themselves so much, that in
the Space of half an Hour, the Wings (of _Butterflies_) are stretched
commonly to their full Size; nay, even those of the largest _Moths_
seldom require above an Hour’s Time. At first they are flabby, like
wet Paper, but soon afterwards they become stiff, and capable of
supporting them in their Airy Flights, _&c._
In this _Fly_ State their first Care seems to be the Propagation of
their Species, for some of them will copulate immediately if they can
find a Mate; to seek which the Male _Butterfly_ takes Wing, as soon
as his Wings are in a proper Condition: But few _Moths_, whether bred
in the Night Time or in the Day, ever offer to fly till the Night
after their Birth, when they go in Search of the Females.
The Females (especially of the _Moth_ Kinds) seldom, if ever, take
Wing till they have been cocked: they often continue in Conjunction
twelve Hours and more, after which the Female lays her Eggs, flies
about for a Time, and then dies.—The Females of some Kinds are
without Wings.
The Males (of some Species) have a surprizing Quickness and
Distinction in their Sense of Smelling, exceeding that of the
Blood-Hound, or any other Creature yet known; for if a Female be
concealed in a Box, and there are any Males within half a Mile or
more, they will fly directly to the Place, and hover round it. By
this Means a Dozen Male _Egger-Moths_ have been taken in an Hour’s
Time, and that at about Twelve o’Clock at Noon, as may be seen in the
Account of the _Egger-Moth_.
Their Continuance in the _Fly_ State depends greatly on the Weather,
many _Flies_ being destroyed as soon as bred, by Storms of Hail,
_&c._ but if the Season proves favourable, many will live for a
Fortnight, three Weeks, or longer, and some even all the Winter
through.
The Distinction of MOTHS and BUTTERFLIES.
MOTHS and BUTTERFLIES agree in their Progression from the _Egg_ to
the _Fly_ State, are different when in that State, in the following
Particulars.
BUTTERFLIES have a Ball or Knob at the Extremity of each of their
_Antennæ_, or _Horns_.
The Horns of MOTHS have not such Balls or Knobs, but are constantly
threaded or pointed: except the Males of some Species, whose Horns
are ramified, or in the Form of Combs.
All BUTTERFLIES settle with their Wings erect, and generally keep
them in that Posture, unless when basking in the Sun.
Most MOTHS do not settle with their Wings erect, but place them
horizontally, or inclining to their Feet.
All BUTTERFLIES come abroad by Day-Light, and chiefly when the Sun
shines bright.
MOTHS fly, some by Day-Light, some by Twilight, and some in the Dead
of Night.
_N. B._ There is a Species of _Fly_ betwixt the _Moth_ and the
_Butterfly_, whose Horns are more flat and hollow; this is describ’d
in the second Book of this Work, by the Name of the _Burnet_.
Concerning the Food of the FLY.
The Food of these Creatures in the _Fly_ State, is very different
from what it was when they were _Caterpillars_: _Butterflies_ feed
on all Kinds of Flowers, and on several sorts of Fruits, and I have
seen them extremely fond of the Juices that issue from the Bodies of
several Sorts of Trees.
_MOTHS_ feed on the same Things, as also on the Honey-Dew that is
found on the Leaves of Limes, Elms, _&c._ The _Moths_, as well as the
_Butterflies_, are furnished with a long Proboscis, or Tongue, which
lies curl’d up like a Watch-Spring, under the fore Part of the Head.
The Length of this Proboscis varies according to the Species of the
_Fly_, and is from half an Inch, to four Inches long.
The Enemies of _Moths_ and _Butterflies_.
Nature has been so abundant in the Production of these Creatures,
that were it not for the many Dangers they are exposed to, through
every Stage of their Lives, the whole World would be too small
to contain their Offspring, in four or five Years; for, upon
Calculation, the Progeny of one Pair of large _Butterflies_,
(supposing them to lay only 100 Eggs, whereas many of them lay 2 or
300, and that twice a Year) would be sufficient to cover the whole
Kingdom of _England_ in about twelve Years.
While in the Egg, they are devoured in great Numbers by Birds and
other Animals.
Whilst _Caterpillars_, they are a Prey to small Birds of all Kinds,
being almost the only Food wherewith such Birds nourish and rear
their young ones.
_CATERPILLARS_ likewise kill and devour one another; and, besides
that, Numbers of them die in shifting their Skins, and in changing
into the _Chrysalis_ State. But the greatest Enemy they have in this
State, is the _Ichneumon Fly_.
In the _Aurelia_ State, such as have no Case are a Prey to Birds,
_&c._ those in the Earth, to Moles, Mice, and other subterraneous
Animals; and besides, great Numbers are destroyed by Frosts and Wet.
In the _Fly_ State they are a Prey to Birds, Batts, and many other
Creatures.
There are four different Ways, in one or other of which all Animals
of the _Moth_ or _Butterfly-Kind_ subsist during the Winter Season,
_viz._
1. Some in the Egg State.
2. Some in the _Caterpillar_ State.
3. Some in the _Chrysalis_ State.
4. And some in the _Fly_ State.
It is likewise to be observed, that the several Species of them chuse
different Places for their Residence
1. Some frequent Woods.
2. Some Plains and Heaths.
3. Some Hedges and Thickets.
4. Some Meads, and Mowing Grass.
5. And others marshy wet Grounds, _&c._
Several Kinds of _Caterpillars_ come forth of the Egg in _July_,
_August_, _September_, and _October_, remain in the _Caterpillar_
State all the Winter, feed up in the Spring, then change into the
_Chrysalis_ State, and produce _Flies_ a few Weeks afterwards.
Others there are that continue in the Egg State all the Winter, are
hatched in the Spring, and feed up in about 45 Days: then change
into the _Chrysalis_, and produce their _Flies_ in about 14 Days
afterwards.
_N. B._ The Curious may be assured, that all these Observations are
founded on real Facts, and not on any Supposition or Conjecture.
And now, (as it seems exactly suitable to this Work) we shall beg
Leave to close the Introduction with a short Description of the
_Butterfly_, taken from a Poem called The UNIVERSE,
which was written some Years ago
By Mr. _Henry Baker_.
_SEE, to the Sun the ~Butterfly~ displays
Its glittering Wings, and wantons in his Rays:
In Life exulting, o’er the Meadows flies,
Sips from each Flow’r, and breathes the vernal Skies.
Its splendid Plumes, in grateful Order, show
The various Glories of the painted Bow.
Where Love directs, a Libertine it roves,
And courts the fair ones thro’ the verdant Groves.
How glorious now! How chang’d since Yesterday! }
When on the Ground, a crawling Worm it lay, }
Where ev’ry Foot might tread its Soul away! }
Who rais’d it thence? And bid it range the Skies?
Gave its rich Plumage, and its brilliant Dyes?
’Twas ~God~:—Its ~God~ and thine, O ~Man~, and ~He~ }
In this thy Fellow-Creature lets thee see, }
The wond’rous Change which is ordain’d for thee. }
Thou too shalt leave thy reptile Form behind, }
And mount the Skies, a pure ethereal Mind, }
There range among the Stars, all bright and unconfin’d. }_
[Illustration: (Decorative Design)]
An _Account_ of those _Places_ where some GENTLEMEN
OF THE
AURELIAN SOCIETY
Have been used to collect _Caterpillars_, _Chrysalides_ and _Flies_,
In the following Months of the Year.
MARCH.
From the 15th to the 25th of this Month, a _Moth_ called the _Orange
Under-Wing_, may be taken in _Hornsey-Wood_, and in the Fields close
to the Sides thereof. It flies in the Day-time, is an exceeding
pretty _Moth_, and not to be met with in such Plenty any where else,
that I know of. The _Oak-Beauty_, and some other _Moths_ are bred in
this Month, but are rarely met with in the _Fly_ State.
APRIL.
In this Month a great Variety of _Caterpillars_ and _Chrysalides_
may be taken by the Method already described. The Banks about the
_Chelsea_ Water-Works and such-like Places are most likely to
furnish the _Chrysalides_ of the _Hawk Tribe_.
At the Roots of the _Elm_, _Lime_, _Willow_, and _Poplar Trees_, you
will find in this _Month_ a Variety of _Aureliæ_, which will produce
their _Flies_ in the _May_ and _June_ following.
Be now diligent to collect _Caterpillars_ from all kinds of Growths,
which, if taken Care of, will produce their _Flies_ a few Months
hence. Towards the End of this Month some _Flies_ may be taken in the
Day-time, and some _Moths_ in the Evening.
MAY.
This delightful Month brings forth in the Woods and Meads a
surprising Variety of _Flies_. _Hornsey_, _Cain_, and _Tottenham_
Woods; the Woods near _Southgate_; _Hanging_ Wood, by _Charlton_,
in _Kent_; _Oak of Honour_ Wood, by _Dulwich_; _Comb_ Wood, by
_Kingstone_, in _Surrey_, and the Fields adjacent are all frequented
by them in this Month in the Day-time as well as in the Evening; and
if the Weather be fine you will never fail of Sport. Abundance of
different _Caterpillars_ are likewise to be found at this Time, such
as those of the _Emperor-Moth_, of the _Lappit_, _Drinker_, _Egger_,
and of Numbers of other Sorts.
JUNE.
This Month adds greatly to the Number of _Flies_ bred in _May_.—From
the 20th to the 30th are usually produced: in _Southgate_, _Comb_,
and _Oak of Honour_ Woods, the _Great Fritillary_ and other fine
_Butterflies_, with Plenty of _Moths_; all which may be taken in and
near the Woods already mentioned.
JULY.
The first ten Days in this Month are the Time for taking the _Purple
Emperor-Butterfly_ in _Comb_ Wood; and the Fields adjacent can
furnish such a charming Variety of _Moths_ and _Butterflies_, that
I do not know any Place where an _Aurelian_ can spend a Week with
more Satisfaction and Assurance of Success. As soon as the _Purple
Emperor-Butterfly_ begins to grow bad, the Time comes on when the
second Breed of the _Swallow-tail Butterfly_ is quite fresh, as
also the _Great Tortoise-shell_, _Peacock Butterfly_, &c. About
the Middle of this Month you may find the _Great Red Underwing_
and the _Goat-Moth_ standing against the _Willow-Trees_ which
usually grow by the Sides of Ditches about the old Barge-House,
_Rotherhith_, _Vauxhall_, and likewise in other Places. Seek also for
the _Caterpillars_ that produce the _Great Elephant_ and _Gold-Spot
Moths_: the most certain Places to find which, that I know of, are by
the Sides of the Ditches in _Rotherhith_ Marshes. The _Caterpillars_
that produce the _Elephant Moth_ feeds on the _White Ladies
Bedstraw_, those of the _Gold-Spot_ on the _Great Water-Grass_. I
have taken the _Gold-Spot Chrysalis_ and _Caterpillar_ likewise in
the low Grounds by _Vauxhall_ in _Surry_.
AUGUST.
At the Beginning of this Month may be found amongst the _Willows_,
about the Banks by the _Chelsea_ Water-Works, the _Caterpillars_
that produce the _Eyed-Willow_ and _Poplar-Hawks_, also the
_Buff-Tip-Puss_, &c. and from the 20th to the 30th the _Admirable
Butterfly_, &c.
SEPTEMBER.
If this Month proves fine, a great many scarce _Moths_ are to be
taken in the Evenings, and the second Brood of the _Comma-Butterfly_,
as well as some other _Flies_, present themselves. _Caterpillars_
are likewise to be got in Plenty off the _Oak_, _Black-Thorn_, and
a Variety of other Foods; and these, if taken Care of, will produce
scarce and valuable _Flies_ in the succeeding
Spring. From the End of this Month to the Middle of _March_
there are but few _Flies_ that frequent the Fields; altho’
I am of Opinion that some _Moths_ are
bred in every Month of
the Year.
[Illustration: (Decorative Design)]
In order to oblige such persons as may be desirous
To make a COLLECTION of
MOTHS and BUTTERFLIES,
Though unacquainted with the Manner how,
It is judged proper to lay down the following
DIRECTIONS.
Provide yourself with a Net made of Muschetto Gause, and in Shape
like a Bat-fowling Net; let its Length be one Ell, the Width at
Bottom three Quarters of a Yard, at Top half a Yard, and cut
circular; this must be sewed to a Tape or Ferret, that it may be
fastened to a couple of Hasle or other Sticks five Feet long each,
the upper Part whereof should be bent circular to fit your Net.
You must likewise have a Stick of Hasle, or any other Wood, about
five or six Feet in Length, wherewith to put the _Flies_ and _Moths_
on the Wing, by beating the Boughs, Hedges, Shrubs, or other Growths
you are near, so that you may be better able to see and take them.
Furnish yourself likewise with Boxes of such Sizes as will go into
your Pocket, let them be lined at the Top and Bottom with Cork; be
also provided with a Pin-cushion, well stock’d with different Sorts
of Pins.
These Things being in readiness, go into the Woods and Fields thereto
adjacent (always placing yourself where the Sun has most Power, and
the Wind the least) also into Chalk-pits, rough Grounds, Lanes, _&c._
In all which Places, if it is a fine Day, and a proper Season of the
Year, you’ll find Plenty of Sport.
When you have taken a _Fly_ in your Net, lay the Net flat on the
Ground, which will prevent the _Fly_ from fluttering, then put the
Fore Finger of your Left Hand under the _Fly_, and with the same
Finger of your Right Hand give it a squeeze on the Back or Chest, and
that will kill it; be careful, however, not to press too hard, least
you damage the _Fly_. This done take a Pin and run it through the
Body, betwixt the Wings, letting that Side be uppermost which is most
beautiful; then stick it in your Box, and look for more Sport.
Having collected such a Number of _Flies_ as you think proper, and
being returned home, look into your Boxes, and observe which of them
are fit to set: such as you find dead and not stiff are so.
Then (having prepared before-hand two or three Boards covered with
Cork, of about ten Inches by sixteen in Size, or as you find most
convenient to place your _Flies_ in order on and extend their Wings
in the best manner: by the Assistance of little Braces made by
cutting a Card into Lengths or Slips, with a small Pin thrust through
the End of each) proceed to manage them as follows:
Take a _Fly_ out of your Box: see if the Pin be run through it
perpendicularly: if so, stick it on one of your setting Boards, and
with the Point of a Needle (which must be fixt into a small Stick,
or what else you like best) extend one Wing leisurely, till such
Time as the Point thereof is even with the Nose of the _Fly_ you are
setting. That done, fix one of your Card Braces gently on that Wing,
to prevent its giving way; serve the other Wing in the same manner,
and your _Fly_ will appear extended as in the Paintings. Let the
Braces remain on the Wings of _Butterflies_ a Fortnight, on those
of great _Moths_ a Month. Take Notice, however, that a great Number
of small _Moths_ must be set in your Boxes in the Field, otherwise
your labour will be lost; you’ll presently know which these are, by
observing them to be dead and almost stiff; so that it is proper to
carry always about you a little Box of Card Braces for this Purpose.
_The Way to preserve your ~Flies~, after you have taken them from
your Setting Board._
If you put them in Drawers, Boxes, or Frames with Glasses before
them, its proper to get some Camphire, which inclose in small Muslin
Bags, and fasten it to those Places where your _Flies_ are; by this
Means you will destroy those Insects that would otherwise injure your
_Flies_; and by renewing now and then this Method, I am convinced
your _Flies_ may be preserved several Years. The Months in _England_
that produce the greatest Variety of _Flies_, are _April_, _May_,
_June_, _July_, and _August_, especially of the _Butterfly_ Kind; and
for _Moths_, I am of Opinion, that there are many different Species
produced all the Year round. The best Time to take the greatest
Variety of _Moths_, is for one Hour after Sun-set, and the properest
Places are in and by the Sides of Woods, Gardens, Green Lanes, _&c._
where with your Net you’l seldom fail of Sport. Thus much seemed
necessary to say in Respect to taking _Insects_ in the _Fly_ State,
and more would be superfluous.
_But as it may be agreeable to some to breed the ~Flies~ themselves
from the ~Caterpillars~, I shall likewise give the best Instructions
I am able for that Purpose._
In the Spring and Autumn Season you may collect great Variety of
_Caterpillars_, by spreading a Sheet under _Oak-Trees_: then beating
the Boughs, many _Caterpillars_ will fall, which if taken Care of,
will produce scarce and valuable _Moths_; you may also obtain by the
same Means _Caterpillars_ from the _Black-Thorn_, _White-Thorn_,
_Bramble_, _Chickweed_, _Willow_, and many other Growths.
When you have collected a Number of _Caterpillars_, and remark’d
the Food you found them on, put them into Boxes, which prepare as
follows: Take a Deal or Wainscot Box, cut a large Square out of
the Top and Bottom, cover the Place cut out with a Piece of Crape
Hatband, glewing the same all round to prevent any Escape. This done,
put your _Caterpillars_ into the Box, with some of the same Food you
found them on, giving them, if you can, fresh every Day. Here you’ll
find them feed and thrive; and after changing their Skins (some five
and some six Times) they will go into the _Aurelia_ State, and there
remain for a certain Time, some much longer than others; but in about
fourteen Days from this last change you may look into your Boxes,
to see if you have any _Flies_ bred; remembring that out of such as
are produced in this manner, much more perfect _Flies_ may be chosen,
than any that can be caught; and as several Sorts of _Caterpillars_
go down into the Earth, and there change to _Chrysalis_, some Earth
must be put into the Boxes for that Purpose, at least two or three
Inches deep. Never take the _Chrysalides_ out of the Earth, nor
disturb them till the _Flies_ are bred.
There is yet another Thing proper to be known, in order to compleat
your Collection. A great Number of _Caterpillars_ go into the Earth,
and there change to _Aureliæ_, whose _Moths_ are seldom upon the
Wing till Night; these _Aureliæ_ are to be got by digging with such
a Trowel as the _Bricklayers_ use, about the Roots of Trees, such
as _Oaks_, _Elms_, _Limes_, _Poplars_, _Willows_, &c. also by the
Sides of Walls and Pales. The usual Time to dig for them is from
_September_ to _March_.
When you have obtain’d a Number of _Aureliæ_ by digging, you must
provide for them thus: Get some Earth and scowering Sand, mix them
well together, and put the Mixture into some large Garden Pots; lay
your _Aureliæ_ thereon, covering them with Moss; then sew a Piece of
Crape Hatband round a small Hoop, and put such a Cover on each Pot,
in order to receive the _Flies_ when bred, which will usually be in
the Months of _March_, _April_, _May_, and _June_. I have always kept
my Pots of _Aureliæ_ out in the open Air, and the _Flies_ have been
produced with great Success; however it may be proper to place a
Piece of Board over each Pot, to prevent unforeseen Accidents.
Those who think proper to put these Directions in Practice, will,
I am convinced, in a short Time, be possessed of a great Number of
valuable _Flies_. What Food the _Caterpillars_ mentioned
in this Work chuse to feed on, the Time when they
change into _Aureliæ_, and when they issue forth
in the _Fly_ State, may be seen
in the Description of
each Plate.
ERRATA.
Page. Num. Read. Instead of
8 XVII Chrysalis Chrysalisis
11 VI nigra alba
18 II Cl. 3. S._A_. 2. Cl. 3. S. E. 1.
20 VII form from
23 XIII to o
49 I Sect. a.
51 V Cl. 2. S. a. 5. Cl. 2. S. _a_. 2.
52 I 4 The Great }
Fox-tail Grass. }
53 IV Cl. 2. S. b. 4. Cl. 2. S. _a_. 4.
62 III Cl. 1. S. _a_. 3. Cl. 2. S. _a_. 4.
63 of Butterflies of Caterpillars