No true lover of Nature has strolled through shady lanes of hawthorn and maple, and, scanning the hedgerow, has failed to admire the simple beauty of this moth, while reposing amongst the leaves, as is its wont in sunny weather. The delightful contrast which the pure silvery white of its wings affords to the verdure with which it is surrounded, must have struck the least observant of passers-by.

For the benefit of those not intimately acquainted with insects in general, and this one in particular, we may give a short description of the characteristics by which it may be known. All the wings are of a pearly white, while the fore-wings have a smoke-coloured spot near the hind margin; the under side also is shaded with a similar colour. It is a remarkably downy moth, covered with "plumage to the very toes," as an eminent writer expresses it, and carrying at the extremity of its tail a tuft of golden-coloured, silky hair. This bright-coloured tuft is worthy of notice, for from it the moth derives its English name, and it is used by the female while ovipositing, to cover and protect her eggs from the heats of summer, for which purpose she is provided with tweezers to remove the down from her body, and distribute it round her future brood, an operation which it would interest the reader to observe. In the male moth this appendage is less fully developed, but it adds beauty to the appearance, from its brilliant contrast to the general colour. While we are interested in the beauty of the moth, however, let us not neglect the caterpillar from which it is produced. This may be found plentifully during the present month, feeding on a variety of trees, although it may have a preference, perhaps, for blackthorn and whitethorn, upon which it is usually taken in most abundance. It is a handsome caterpillar, with red and black stripes, and pencil-like appendages, which extend from the head, gracefully adorning it, and giving it a striking appearance, not unlike to other caterpillars similarly furnished.

Notwithstanding its beauty, however, the hairs with which it is covered have a very unpleasant property, viz., that of raising on the face and hands an appearance not at all attractive, and an irritation almost unbearable. While feeding and tending these caterpillars, we have often had the skin inflamed and

irritated by these means; so much so, indeed, that we have long since cut their acquaintance, confining ourselves to the collection of the perfect insect, which we find the more pleasant way of obtaining a series for our cabinet.

The manner in which these caterpillars pass the winter (for they hybernate) is rather curious to observe. When at large on their native trees, they spin a loose web, common to all, in which they congregate socially; but when kept in confinement, each caterpillar spins a separate web, which is double, and in the inner web, which closely surrounds it, passes the winter without food. When spring arrives, it issues from the web, and, as may be supposed, is very voracious after the winter's fast, requiring leaves several times a day, if kept in confinement.

When about to change into the chrysalis state, which is usually done about the beginning of June, these caterpillars spin a loose web among the leaves, which is studded with hairs, and we advise the reader to beware how he handles it, remembering their irritative qualities before mentioned.

The moth is in its perfect condition in July, at which time it may be often captured while resting amongst the bushes, or sticking tightly to tree-stems, for it usually feigns death when touched, and often voluntarily falls into the entomologist's net, a victim to its attempts at self-concealment.

Insect collectors usually have to pass through a series of mortifications before getting hardened to the public gaze. And not the least or most insignificant of these mortifications are the sneers and derision of by-passing strangers, whose contempt for entomology seems never-ending. In searching the hedgerows for these moths, one's operations are made painfully obvious; for, as they have a predilection for settling near the ground, the collector is compelled to assume a position anything but elegant or becoming, and often is he attacked by the enraged proprietors of market gardens, on the supposition that he is injuring their property.

Notwithstanding all these drawbacks, however, insect-hunting has its peculiar charms, known only to those who have persevered in the pursuit of it; for Time, that uses us to all things, hardens the collector of insects equally to the scornful glances of critical young ladies, and the sneers of less valued members of society, and thus we find him prosecuting his researches with a most exemplary determination and courage.

As we close our sketch of this moth, we cannot forbear to invite our numerous young readers to study as well as to collect insects, the one being of little importance without the other; and to remember that their field of observation, the world of insects, is inexhaustibly rich.

E. J. S. CLIFFORD.

A WONDERFUL PARROT.

A FACT.

FIFTY years ago, before the days of brilliant lamps, or even composite candles, a party assembled round the dinner table of a well-known naval officer at Lymington, and were about to seat themselves, when the favourite parrot took a rapid fight from the top of her cage, and passing between the four candles placed on the table, extinguished them all by the sudden flutter of her wings, leaving the company in darkness. Amid the consequent confusion, the voice of the hostess exclaimed, "Oh dear! she'll be drowned in the soup! she'll be drowned in the soup!" No sooner were the words uttered, than Polly flew back as hastily as before, and blew the lights in again! The company were astonished, and thought the feat could not have been exceeded by anything that the half-reasoning elephant could have accomplished.