Chapter II: 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. }_

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.

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

On the Plates.

38 I Cl. 1. S. b. 1. Cl. 1. S. _a_. 1.
38 II Cl. 1. S. b. 2. Cl. 1. S. _a_. 2.
42 I Cl. 2. S. _a_. 1. Cl. 2. S. 1. b. 1.
42 II L. I. Ch. III. L. I. Ch. II.
62 II Cl. 1. S. _a_. 2. Cl. 1. S. _a_. 1.

A Synoptical TABLE of the _Moths_ and _Butterflies_ contained in this Work.

CATERPILLARS.

Producing Moths.

Having circular Rings or Joints.

Naked.

Without Protuberances.

The great yellow Underwing. The Wild Arrach. The Angle
Shades. The Pease Blossom. The small green Oak Moth. The
small Ermine Moth. The Broom Moth. The sallow Moth. The
Codling Moth. The Province Rose Moth. The Scallop-wing’d Oak
Moth. The Black-thorn Moth. The green Moth with silver Lines.
The Ranunculus Moth. The Water-Betony Moth. The small
Elephant Moth. The Gold-spot Moth. The Sword-grass Moth.

With Horns on the Tail.

The Jessamine-Hawk Moth. The Unicorn, or Bindweed-Hawk Moth.
The Privet-Hawk. The Olive-shades, or Lime-Hawk. The Eyed
Willow-Hawk. The Poplar-Hawk. The Ladies Bedstraw, or
Elephant Moth.

With one Protuberance on the Rump.

The Ealing’s Glory.

With two or more Protuber.

The Ozier, or Pebble Moth.

With Shoulders rising into an Angle.

The Puss Moth. The Wild Rose Moth.

Having little Hair.

Without Protuberances.

The Goat Moth. The Emperor Moth. The Plumb-Tree Moth.

With Protuberances.

The Willow Red-Underwing.

Having much Hair.

Without Protuberances.

The Great Tyger. The Cream-Spot Tyger. The Scarlet Tyger. The
Black Arches. The Great Ermine Moth. The Spotted Buff Moth.
The Gipsey Moth. The Buff Tip. The White Satin Moth. The
Lacquey. The Great Egger. The Grass Egger. The December Moth.
The Spotted Red and White Underwing. The Wood Tyger. The
Mother of Pearl Moth. The Yellow July Oak Moth. The small
Egger. The Fox-coloured Moth.

Having Rings of different Colours.

The Cinnabar Moth.

Having indented Marks.

The Bramble Moth.

Having fleshy Protuberances on the Head, Back, or Tail.

The Lappit-Moth. The Drinker. The Yellow Tail. The Dagger Moth.
The Wild Pine Tree Lappit-Moth.

Having many Tufts of Hair.

The Black Tussock. The Yellow Tussock. The Red Spot Tussock. The
Orange Tussock. The Nut-Tree Tussock. The Sycamore Tussock.

Half Loopers.

Having 8 Feet, 2 Holders, 6 Claws, and with Protuberances.

The Crimson Underwing.

Having 4 Feet, 2 Holders, 6 Claws. Hairy.

The Silver Y Moth.

Loopers.

Naked.

Without Protuberances.

The Brindled Beauty. The July Arrach Moth. The Mottled Umber.
The July Sallow Moth. The Buff Argus. The Green Broom Moth.
The Lime Moss Moth.

With Protuberances.

The Spotted Elm Moth. The Swallow-Tail Moth. The October Moth.
The Brimstone Moth. The Scallop-winged Moth. The Richmond Beauty.
The Hawthorn Moth.

Hairy.

Without Protuberances.

The large Magpye, or Curran Moth. The Gooseberry Moth.

Having Tufts of Hair.

The Brindle Moth.

Shaped like Wood-lice.

Small Oak Egger-Moth.

Producing Moths whose Generation is unknown.

Glory of Kent. Cleifden Nonpareil.

Producing Flies between the Moth and Butterfly.

The Burnet Moth.

Producing Butterflies.

Smooth.

Without Protuberances.

Swallow-Tail Butterfly. Brimstone Butterfly.

Having little Hair.

Producing round-winged Butterflies.

White Butterfly with black Veins. Large white Garden
Butterfly. Small white Garden Butterfly. White Butterfly with
green Veins. Orange Tip, or Lady of the Woods.

Producing scallop-wing’d Butterflies.

The Marmoris, or Marble Butterfly. The Meadow Brown. The Great
Argus, and Wood Argus.

Producing Butterflies with large Heads and Bodies.

The Grizzled Butterfly.

Armed with Spikes.

Whose Chrysalis hangs by the Tail.

The Admirable Butterfly. The Peacock Butterfly. The painted
Lady. The great Tortoise-shell. The Comma-Butterfly. The
Great Fritillary. The Plantain Fritillary. The Heath
Fritillary. The Willow Butterfly. The small Fritillary. The
great Fritillary, with silver Spots.

Shaped like Wood-lice.

The Purple Hair-streak Butterfly. The Brown Hair-streak. The
green Butterfly.

Producing Butterflies whose Generation is yet unknown.

The Blue Argus Butterfly. The Purple High-Flyer, or Emperor
of the Woods.

THE

NAMES of the Subscribers to, and Encouragers of,

Mr. WILKES’s Attempt towards a NATURAL HISTORY of

_English_ MOTHS and BUTTERFLIES.

A.

His Grace the Duke of Argyle.
His Grace the Duke of Athol.
William Adams, Esq;
The Aurelian Society.
Mr. Stephen Austin.

B.

The Right Honourable the Earl of Bute.
Miss Jane Banister.
Richard Lovell Badcock, Esq;
William Berton, Esq;
John Browning, Esq;
William Bunberry, Esq;
Buckley, Esq;
Mr. Henry Baker.
Mr. Ephraim Bell.
Mr. Elias Brownsword.
Mr. Walter Blackett.
Mr. Brindly.

C.

The Right Honourable the Lord James Cavendish.
The Right Honourable the Lord Charles Cavendish.
The Honourable Alexander Hume Campbell, Esq;
Mr. Peter Collinson.
Mr. Philip Constable, Junior.
Mrs. Chandler.
Mr. Clements.
Mr. Chapple.
Mr. Chadwell.

D.

Richard Dashwood, Esq;
Peter Delme, Esq;
Mrs. Dellaval.
Mr. Davis.
Mr. Joseph Dandridge.
Mr. Dodesly, 4 books.

E.

Mrs. Susanna Eaton.
Mrs. Edwards.

F.

The Right Honourable the Lady Viscountess Fitz-Williams.
The Right Honourable the Lady Featherstone.
William Farington, Esq;
Mrs. Farmer, at Birmingham.

G.

His Grace the Duke of Gordon.
The Right Honourable the Lady Betty Germain.
John Gale, Esq;
Charles Godwin, Fellow of Balliol College in Oxford.
Captain John Godwin.
Mr. Thomas Grace.

H.

The Right Honourable the Lord Howard.
The Most Reverend Father in God Thomas, Lord Archbishop of
Canterbury.
James Horne, Esq;
Henry Le Noy Hunter, Esq;
Mrs. Mary Vere-Hunt.
Mr. Samuel Hartley.
Mr. Hodges, 3 Books.

J.

Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Jackson in St. James’s Street, 3 Books.

K.

Mr. Thomas Knowlton.

L.

The Right Honourable the Earl of Londonderry, 2 Books.
William Lock, Esq;
Mr. James Lemon.
Mr. Samuel Lee.

M.

His Grace the Duke of Montagu.
Dr. Mead.
The Reverend Mr. Thomas Manningham.
Mr. Mauduit.
Mr. Daniel Marshal.
Mr. Miller.

N.

Her Grace the Duchess of Norfolk.
John Nicoll, Esq; of Coney-Hatch.
Miss Nicoll, at Southgate.
The Reverend Mr. John Newton, at Gloucester.

O.

Nathaniel Oldham, Esq;
Mr. Edmund Overall.

P.

Her Grace the Duchess of Portland.
Miss Phillips, Grosvenor-Street.

R.

Her Grace the Duchess of Richmond.
The Right Honourable the Lord Rolle.
The Royal Society of London.

S.

The Right Honourable the Countess of Shaftsbury.
The Right Honourable the Countess of Stamford.
The Right Honourable the Lady Diana Spencer.
The Right Honourable the Lady Elizabeth Spencer.
The Right Honourable the Lady Smithson.
Sir Francis St. John, Baronet.
Sir Hans Sloane, Baronet.
John Archer Shish, Esq;
Mrs. Smith, at Oxford.

T.

The Right Honourable the Lord Trevor.
The Honourable Mrs. Trevor.
James Theobald, Esq;
Doctor Christopher Jacob Trew, at Norimburg.
The Honourable Mr. Talbot.
James Tilson, Esq;
Miss Tasburgh.

W.

The Honourable Mrs. Walter.
Ralph Willett, Esq;
Taylor White, Esq;
Francis Whithead, Esq;
Horace Walpole Esq; of Arlington-Street.
Mr. William Wells.
Mr. Wollaston.
Mr. Woodhouse.
Mr. Whittle.
Mr. Ware.

Y.

The Honourable Mr. Yelverton, 3 Books.