The Project Gutenberg eBook ofThe Emperor's RoutThis 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 atwww.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 Emperor's RoutAuthor: UnknownRelease date: March 22, 2008 [eBook #24894]Most recently updated: January 3, 2021Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by David Wilson and the Online DistributedProofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file wasproduced from images generously made available by TheInternet Archive/American Libraries.)*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE EMPEROR'S ROUT ***
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 atwww.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 Emperor's RoutAuthor: UnknownRelease date: March 22, 2008 [eBook #24894]Most recently updated: January 3, 2021Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by David Wilson and the Online DistributedProofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file wasproduced from images generously made available by TheInternet Archive/American Libraries.)
Title: The Emperor's Rout
Author: Unknown
Author: Unknown
Release date: March 22, 2008 [eBook #24894]Most recently updated: January 3, 2021
Language: English
Credits: Produced by David Wilson and the Online DistributedProofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file wasproduced from images generously made available by TheInternet Archive/American Libraries.)
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE EMPEROR'S ROUT ***
[p2]M. Gauci delt.Printed by C. Motte 23. Leicester Sqre.[p3]THEEMPEROR’S ROUT.ILLUSTRATED BY COLOURED PLATES.LONDON:CHARLES TILT, 86, FLEET STREET.MDCCCXXXI.[p4]LONDON:BRADBURY AND EVANS, PRINTERS,BOUVERIE STREET.[p5]THE EMPEROR’S ROUT.As theEmperor Moth1sat one evening in May,Fanned by numberless wings in the moon’s silver ray,[p6]While around him the zephyrs breathed sweetest perfume,Thus he spoke to his dwarf with theRagged white plume:2“That vain Butterfly’s Ball, I hear, was most splendid,And, as the world says, very fully attended,Though she never asked us, but assigned as a cause,We were all much too heavy to gallope and waltz.What impertinence this, want of grace to ascribeTo the Lord of the whole Lepidopterous tribe;I too’ll give a ball, and such folks to chastise,I’ll not be at home to these pert butterflies.[p7]Bid theEmpress3come hither, and we’ll talk aboutWhat arrangements to make for a capital rout.”[p6a]M. Gauci delt.Printed by C. Motte 23. Leicester Sqre.THE INVITATION.The Empress obeyed her lord’s summons with speed,And proceeded her visiting tablets to read,That those of her subjects, whose homage was bookedIn that coveted record, might not be o’erlooked.Then theBufftip4began to write each moth a card,Having one for herself just by way of reward.“First ask,” says the Emperor, “theGlory of Kent,5On having much beauty my mind is quite bent;[p8]TheBelle, too,of Brixton,6theMarvel du Jour,7And thePeach-blossom8moth you’ll invite, I am sure;TheSphinx9too, shall come, who makes riddles so well,And theGipsey10be ready our fortunes to tell;[p9]Mother Shipton11shall chap’rone the lovelyBlack I,12And those awkward Greek girls,Lambda,13Gamma,14andChi;15Hebrew Character,16too, who for routs has a passion;And I’ll ask Mrs.Gothic,17though she’s out of fashion,[p10]For I love my old friends, and had rather that theyShould partake of our feast, than the idle and gay,Who flutter about without object or reason,Just live for an hour, and last but a season.”How little, alas! do great moths bear in mind,That their tenure of life is of just the same kind.“You’re right,” said the Empress, “and truly ’twere shabby,T’exclude from our party poor old Mrs.Tabby,18[p11]And theRustics19I’ll ask, though not one has a gownIn which to appear, save of black, grey, or brown;And some of them go, too, so feathered and flounced,That theCoxcomb20calledProminent, on them pronouncedA sentence of censure, quite just, but so tart,That I felt, when I heard it, quite cut to the heart.[p12]But now to proceed, Sire, theLeopard21I vote,Be razed from our list, with that ugly oldGoat,22Who in youth made such terrible use of his jaws,That I dread, I confess, e’en the sight of his claws;And as to his muscles, ’tis said that when counted,To four thousand and just forty-one they amounted;[p13]Of Musk too, I’m told, he sheds such perfume,That wherever he goes, he fills the whole room.Exclude him we will, with the oldDromedary,23TheElephant24cunning, andFox25too, so wary,[p14]That though I don’t know it for certain, I’m toldThey cheat at Ecarté, like Hermes of old.[p14a]M. Gauci delt.Printed by C. Motte 23. Leicester Sqre.THE DEATH’S HEAD MOTH.TheGhost26andDeath’s head,27and that terrible host,Would but scare all the guests”—Here the Emperor lost,[p15]For a moment, his patience, and cried to his spouse,“If thus you proceed, ma’am, my anger you’ll rouse.Like th’ Egyptians of old, I’ll have at my feastA figure of death, or his cross-bones at least,To remind all our guests of the limited spanThat to moths is allotted, as well as to man,And how e’en in the midst of enjoyment’s gay hour,We are still in death’s stern and inflexible power.So let them have cards, and I’ll go and prepareFor receiving our friends, the best possible fare.”[p16]The Monarch then went with theEyed Hawk,28his scout,To search for a spot fit for giving his rout;A green ring he found, the work of a fairy,And thinking it looked both commodious and airy,He called to himBrimstone29to measure the ground,For anotherGeometra30could not be found;[p17]Of this workman he knew the correctness full well,What he wrought was as nice as if done by a spell.The spot was judged proper, and erected in hasteWere some well fashioned rooms, which displayed his good taste.Carpet Moths31were appointed to stencil the floor,TheClothes Moths32with gossamer covered the door;[p18]Mahogany33andWainscot34were neither deficientIn offering their aid, which proved most efficient,WhileVeneers,35both rosy and yellow, were ableT’improve, by their help, the decayed supper table.For the crockery,China Mark36promised to strive,AndGalleria37offered to steal from a hive,[p19]Profusion of honey;Pinguinalis38brought butter,And with waxCereana39came all in a flutter.These presents the Emperor gladly accepted,Save Galleria’s theft, which with scorn was rejected,So little do moths of great minds patroniseThe base who by fraud or extortion would rise.In the mean time the Empress herSwifts40had sent outTo deliver the cards for this elegant rout.[p20]Puss41sent an excuse, with theKitten42engaged,And theEggar,43poor lady, was highly enragedThat her numerous offspring requiring her care,Prevented her joining a party so rare.[p21]TheBurnets,44Brown Pinioned,45theDingy Brocades,46TheBlack Raven Feather,47and sweetAngle Shades,48Had promised that day with theTussock49to dine,A lady of fashion, whose hour was nine;But when they received their dread sovereign’s command,They yielded to custom’s imperious demand,[p22]For moths with us mortals in this do agree,That all parties must bow to a monarch’s decree.LadyLappet50being ill, thePoplar Lutestring51The two MissesNonpareil52promised to bring;And theSpectacle Moth,53too near sighted to go,Sent his ward theBright Eye,54with theFlame Furbelow,55[p23]Whose young lover, the beautiful, braveUnicorn,56Had been shot in a duel with theRed Striped Hawthorn.57Not quite fit to appear, the gallantSwallow Tail58At the doctors with anger continued to rail,[p24]He having been lamed by the awkwardBulrush,59To the serious alarm of the fairMaiden’s Blush.60The day now arrived, and at nine of the night,The glow-worm being hired the highways to light,The guests ’gan to assemble, and each was announcedBy theHerald,61who loudly their names all pronounced.TheErmine,62a lady of noble degree,Introduced a long train of her large family;[p25]Some inMuslin,63someSatin,64were chastely arrayed,While theEmerald,65thePearl,66and theMocha67displayedTheir jewels so costly, that poorBurnished Brass68Unnoticed was suffered the evening to pass.[p26]From the banks of the Niger theBlackamoor69broughtA fatMoor,70who presented aTyger71just caught;An oldGentlewoman72had promised to bringA musical Miss, who divinely could sing,But whose fair head, no larger than that of aDot,73Was filled with the thought of aTrue Lover’s Knot;74[p27]So she hem’d and she ha’d, then unblushingly told,How she caught as she came a most violent cold,And felt such oppression and pain in her throat,That she scarcely dared venture to utter a note;And thus with most Misses of human creation,How often their colds are but mere affectation.The dancing began, and soft music was heard,Provided, ’twas said, by the sweetHumming Bird.75Old ColonelGold Spangle,76his dancing days past,Volunteered with good humour the dances to cast;[p28]To the forward MissPortland77CaptainChristian78he brought,Who, aided by Mars, the young lady had caught,For moths, like their betters, as I have been told,Are mightily taken with scarlet and gold.TheForesters79danced, arrayed all in green,[p29]With theClear Wings,80whose beauty gave life to the scene;TheMouse,81quite enamoured, entreated in vainThe hand of the lovelyPease Blossom82to gain,And theSatellite,83though he till now had sat still,Made up to theSeraph84to dance a quadrille.[p30]TheQuakers,85who ne’er had been seen at a ball,With theCoronets86galloped around the great hall,And the sadMourning Widow,87her weeds put away,To waltz with the lustrousJapan,88now quite gay;While theMagpie89obtained universal applause,By fluttering a hornpipe upon his hind claws.[p31]TheVapourer90came not, but he was no loss,For wherever he went he was stupid and cross;And his wife, an old dowdy, bereft of all wings,Was unfit to appear as th’ associate of Kings;TheDagger91came armed, and looked all around,But his charmer, MissSnout,92was no where to be found,[p32]For she had not been asked, and theFigure of Eight,93With his cousin, theSprawler,94joined the party so late,That morn was forth peeping, and the dancing had done,WhenSpring Usher95announced the young beautifulNun.96[p33]TheGnomana97now indexed the hour of four,The guests were assembled around the great door,Which theLacqueys98threw open, and each in his rankFound a seat for himself, and they all ate and drankWith a relish that would not disgrace the Guildhall,(To compare for a moment such great things with small,)Where London’s Lord Mayor and his Aldermen deignTo feast upon turtle, and tipple champagne.[p34]OldDrinker,99the butler, of wine served the best,And aFootman100was placed at the chair of each guest,In orange, in yellow, or black coats dressed out,For their liveries, ’twas said, were all made for the rout,The Emperor began mirth and glee to inspire,When a loud cry was heard, of “the chimney’s on fire;”All started in fear from the table to learnIf the house was in flames, or likely to burn;[p35]Each snatched up a candle, so left the room dark,And the moment was seized by theChamomile Shark101To plunder the table. TheYorkshire Magpie102Strove also with his share of booty to fly,But was stopped by theLacqueys, who then in a triceDemolished themselves every thing that was nice.[p34a]M. Gauci delt.Printed by C. Motte 23. Leicester Sqre.THE ALARM.’Midst this glorious confusion a mischievousPug103Contrived of the claret to empty each jug,But not unperceived by youngMiss Exclamation,104[p36]Who by her loud cries caused immense consternation.Meanwhile came theSweep,105with theChimney Sweep’s Boy,106And two otherAssistants,107who ran to employEvery means they could think of to put out the flame,In which they succeeded, and found that the blameBelonged to theHousewife,108who had thrown in the fireSome grease, which occasioned the accident dire.[p37]The guests in a panic had now left aloneThe Emperor and Empress their ills to bemoan.Said the Empress, “My dear, let us never more tryWith the Butterflies’ party so vainly to vie;For what with the heat, the fatigue, and the fright,I never before passed so trying a night;I would not again undergo the vexationOf such a soirée, for the wealth of a nation.”“With you I agree,” the sage Emperor replied,Who deemed it a lesson to cure them of pride;[p38]“And I trust that the thread of our lives will spin out,Ere we ever again attempt such a rout.Alas! we must own we were never designedTo flit in the sunshine, or soar on the wind;Nature’s changeless decree has allotted its shareTo each beast of the field, to each bird of the air,To each reptile that creeps, to each insect that flies;And who dares to rebel against nature but dies?”1Saturnia pavonia minor.The caterpillars of these moths are of a beautiful green, with blue spots, and after living together for three weeks, they separate, and disperse themselves in all directions. The Chrysalis is covered with a strongly glutinous matter, which resists not only weather, but the perforation of other insects. The Pavonia Major is the largest of European moths, and, according to Latreille, a manufactory of silk from the cocoons has been established in Germany.2Pterophorus pentadactylus.Large White Plume. By some called Ragged Robin. The moths of this genus have their wings divided, or formed of feathers united at the base. The chrysalis is black.3Female of theSaturnia pavonia minor.4Pygæra bucephala.5Endromis versicolor.6Noctua catana.7Noctua aprilina.8Noctua batis.9The attitude of the caterpillars, resembling that of the Sphinx, has given this name to the tribe. The moths of the Sphinx have the peculiar power of erecting their wings, but even these cannot make them meet over the back as butterflies do. Their chief food is the potatoe plant.10Liparis dispar.—The caterpillars of the Gipsey are very destructive to fruit trees, over which they wander during the day, but at night retire into a web like that of a spider. In 1731, they attacked and destroyed most of the oaks in France.11Noctua mi.—Called Shipton, from the profile of an old woman which is marked on its upper wings.12Noctua I niger.—The Roman character, I, is marked on the wings of this moth.131415Noctua lambda,Noctua gamma,Noctua chi.—So named from the spots on their wings resembling these Greek characters. The caterpillars of the Noctua gamma, in 1735, infected the whole of France, and devoured the productions of the kitchen gardens. The common people supposed them to be poisonous, and consequently the use of herbs in making soups was forbidden.16Noctua gothica.17Noctua typica.18Pyralis genus.—The Tabby is often found in the tea chests in the East India warehouses, where it commits great ravages. It never is met with, however, in a chest that is not cracked, thereby proving its English origin.19Noctua nigra.—Black rustic.Noctua lævis.—Grey rustic.Noctua obsoletissima.—Brown rustic.Noctua phæa.—Feathered rustic.Noctua tinea.—Flounced rustic.20Notodonta camelina.—The singular name of Coxcomb Prominent, was given to this moth from the crest on its thorax, which resembles that of a cock. The specific name was bestowed in consequence of two lobes on its upper wings, which it raises when at rest.21Zeuzera æsculus.—The caterpillar feeds on the wood of apple trees, but the moth is often found in great abundance in St. James’s Park; sixty were gathered there in one morning, but the greater number had been half devoured by the birds.22Cossus ligniperda.—The caterpillar lives in the interior of trees, and has, according to Lyonet, 4041 muscles. It is three years before the insect attains its perfect state. The caterpillar emits a smell much resembling that of musk, and Ray and Linnæus both supposed it to be the Cossus mentioned by Pliny, as fattened with flour by the Roman epicures for their tables. Later writers have, however, for many reasons, ascribed this to the larva of the stag beetle.23Notodonta dromedarius.—This Notodonta is called Dromedary, from having two crests, similar to humps, on its thorax.24Sphinx elpenor.—The caterpillars of the Elephant feed on the plant called Ladies’ Bedstraw, (Galium palustre), from which they are often shaken by the wind into the water. When this happens, they dexterously turn themselves on their backs, make head and tail meet, and float in this posture till they can contrive to save themselves by clinging to some part of the plant. They possess the power of drawing the head and three first joints within the body at pleasure. The moth flies very late at night, and is rarely caught.25Lasiocampa rubi.—The Fox moth is chiefly found on heaths and commons, and lives in the caterpillar state all the winter.26Hepialus humuli.—The male moth is of a beautiful and brilliant white, but the female is yellow. It is fond of feeding on the roots of grass, and from having been often found in church-yards, the tradition has arisen that it inhabits those spots only. The caterpillar is very destructive to hops, by devouring the roots.27Sphinx atropos.—This is called the Death’s Head moth from the resemblance of the spot on its thorax to a human skull. It is the largest of the Sphinx tribe, and is vulgarly regarded as the messenger of pestilence and death. When touched it utters a plaintive cry, like that of a bat or mouse. Reaumur says, that a whole convent in France was thrown into consternation, by one of these moths flying into the dormitory. It frequently robs hives, and Huber states, that its cry renders the bees motionless. It breaks from its chrysalis between four and seven in the afternoon, as the Hawk moth of the Lime always appears at noon, and that of the Evening Primrose at sunrise.28Sphinxcellata.—The Eyed-hawk moth flies very swiftly by night, and its caterpillar is very beautiful.29Geometra cratægaria.—The Brimstone lays eggs twice in the same year.30This genus is so called from the peculiar manner in which the caterpillar moves; it brings the feet of both extremities close together, and the intermediate part of the body rises like an arch, giving it the appearance of measuring the distance it performs. It is said to possess great muscular powers, for it will attach its posterior feet to the twig of a tree, and erect the rest of its body in a vertical position for hours without moving.31Geometra subtristata.—&c. &c.32Tinea genus.—These are the moths which cause so much destruction to furs, and other articles of clothing. They lay their eggs on the substances which serve them for food. The most effectual method of keeping them away is to pack the materials in a well-closed tin box, and enclose with them a tallow candle.33Noctua tetra.34Leucania.—Genus of Stephens.35Crambus carnea.—Rosy veneer.Crambus arborum.—Yellow satin veneer. They receive their name from the streaks on their wings. They are chiefly found on grasses in flower, and always settled with their heads downwards.36Botys genus.—Called China mark, from the resemblance of the spots on the wings to those on old China.37Galleria alvearia.—The caterpillar lives on honey.38Aglossa pinguinalis.—The food of the caterpillar consists of fat substances, such as butter or lard, in which it will suffer itself to be completely enveloped without injury. It is sometimes said to get into the human stomach, when it causes very dangerous symptoms.39Galleria cereana.—The caterpillar feeds on wax, but for want of this food will eat paper, wafers, &c.40Hepialus genus.—The gold Swift sometimes moves slowly through the air, a few feet from the ground, where it poises itself; at others, vacillates like the pendulum of a clock, and again altering its motion, darts about with great rapidity.41Cerura vinula.—The caterpillar of the Puss has the power of stretching out, or pulling back its head at will, according to its apprehension of danger. Its hinder extremity never touches the ground, but is furnished with two tubes, through which the insect ejects a thin liquor at its pursuers. When near the change into the pupa state, however, the tubes dry up, and it loses this faculty. More male than female moths are to be found, which is contrary to the general rule.42Cerura furcula.—The kitten.43Lasiocampa quercus.—The Eggar has been known to remain seven years in the chrysalis state.44Zygæna genus.45Noctua oblonga.46Noctua obscura.47Porrectaria grandipennis.48Noctua meticulosa.—The chrysalis of the Angle-shades is of a deep red colour, with two sharp points at the tail. The caterpillar is of a fine transparent green.49Laria genus.—The Tussock feeds on white thorn, and is the hop-dog of the hop-gatherers in Kent.50Gastropacha quercifolia.—The caterpillar of this moth also lives through the winter, a fact recently discovered by Mr. Samouelle, from whose obliging communications many of these notes have been derived.51Noctua flavicornis.52Noctua fraxini.—The Nonpareils are very scarce in England, are very large moths, and have blue under-wings.53Noctua triplacea.—Named Spectacle moth, from an appearance like spectacles on its thorax.54Noctua conigera.—Brown line. Bright eye.55Noctua furca.56Sphinx convolvuli.—The unicorn caterpillar is difficult to find, from its habit of hiding itself in the ground, and only appearing on the surface in the evening to feed on the lesser bindweed, at which time it is frequently sought by collectors with a candle and lanthorn. The Pupa has an enormous rostrum, longer than the insect, and very thick, probably to contain the proboscis.57Tinea bistriga.—These are beautiful minute insects, and are found on the white thorn in July.58Geometra sambucaria.—This is found in lanes, and is remarkable for the elegance of its flight.59Noctua typhæ.—The caterpillar feeds on the pith of the bulrush.60Geometra punctaria.—The Maiden’s Blush flies in the shady parts of woods at sunset.61Noctua libatrix.62Erminea padi.—This insect destroys the white thorn hedges in the neighbourhood of London. About three years back, a dress was woven by the caterpillars for the Queen of Bavaria. A model was made of some stiff material, and the caterpillars placed on it; they covered it with their web, and thus produced a garment without a seam.63Arctia mendica.64Arctia salicis.—The Satin moth not only itself wears the appearance of this substance, but covers its eggs with a web which has the same resemblance.65Geometra papilio naria.—66Noctua perla.—67Geometra omicromaria.—These moths in colour resemble the stones, &c., after which they are named. The Emerald becomes white with keeping, and the others turn to a dirty yellow.68Noctua chrysitis.—The upper wings of the moth are of a light brown, and streaked across with two bands resembling polished brass.69Noctua Ethiops.—So named from its dark appearance.70Noctua Maura.—The Moor has a broad body, and is constantly found under the arches of Westminster Bridge.71Arctia caja.—The caterpillar mixes its own hair with its web. It is found in gardens, feeds on every thing, and changes its skin ten times.72Noctua brassica.—The caterpillar is very destructive to cabbages.73Noctua persicaria.—This moth is remarkable for a white spot on its wing, and the caterpillar feeds on the flower from which it is named.74Noctua erica.—The appearance of a true lover’s knot is found on its upper wings.75Macroglossum stellatarum.—It makes a humming noise with the vibration of its wings. It is found from March till September, hovering over geraniums, and constantly appears at two o’clock in the afternoon.76Noctua bractea.—This is a rare insect, and receives its name from the large spot in each upper wing, resembling burnished gold.77Noctua precox.—This moth was named after the Duchess of Portland, who first found it.78Tortrix genus.—The genus receives its name from the faculty possessed by the caterpillar, of rolling or twisting the leaves of the plants it inhabits, into a tubular form. The Christian, or Christianern, is found in the chalk pits of Kent, resting on cinque-foil. The upper wings are of a bright yellow, streaked with scarlet.79Ino statices.—The body and wings are of a beautiful metallic green, and they chiefly inhabit meadows.80Ægeria genus.—They receive their name from the transparency of their wings. They are principally found on the wood of the currant tree.81Noctua tragopogonus.—Called Mouse from its colour.82Noctua delphinii.—The Pease blossom is a very beautiful, but rare moth. It feeds on the wild larkspur, and lies in the pupa state from August till the June following.83Noctua satellitia.—The caterpillars of the Satellite are great enemies to white thorn, currant, and gooseberry bushes, and also to other caterpillars.84Geometra hexapterata.—The Seraph, or Seraphim, has two little processes like the rudiments of another pair of wings, whence its specific name.85Noctua cerasi, &c.—These moths are remarkably neat in appearance.86Noctua ligustri.—The Coronets are so called from their crested thorax.87Geometra luctuaria.88Adela genus.—The Japan moths are distinguished by the length of their antennae, which several times exceed the length of their bodies.89Abraxas grossulariata.—The destructive caterpillar of this moth lives in gardens, through the winter, and feeds on the buds as they begin to open. When about to change to the chrysalis state, they suspend themselves by the tail.90Bombyx antiqua.—The female moth is destitute of wings, and the male is constantly seen, slowly fluttering through the streets of London.91Noctua psi.—The Dagger is produced from a light green egg, and is named from the mark on its wings.92Herminia rostralis.—Called Snout, from the form of the palpi, which project over the head.93Bombyx cæruleocephala.—It owes its English name to the figure of eight, marked in white on its brown wings.94Bombyx cassinea.—The Sprawler is found on palings, closely adhering to the wood, and rests with its anterior feet widely spread out.95Geometra leucophearia.—This is named Spring Usher from making its appearance in February; it is a favourite food with insectivorous birds.96Noctua aprica.97Tortrix gnomana.—Dial moth. It flies from side to side like the pendulum of a clock.98Lasiocampa neustria, &c.—The caterpillars live in a common web, and are striped with white, blue, and red, whence, by the French naturalists, they are calledlivrée. They are polyphagus,i. e.they eat every thing. They lay their eggs in close, compact rings, round the twigs of trees.99Odenensis potatoria.—The caterpillar of this moth (according to Godart) after drinking, lifts up its head like a hen, whence it receives its name.100Lithosia aurantia(orange)—Lithosia luterella(yellow)Lithosia rubricollis(black)—Footman.101Noctua chamomilla.—The moth attaches itself close to the edges of wood, as near its own colour as possible.102Abraxas ulmaria.—Found abundantly in Yorkshire.103Geometra genus.104Noctua exclamationis.105Geometra chærophyllata.—All the moths called Chimney-sweeps are black, but the Chimney-sweep’s boy is smaller than the others, and easily distinguished by the glossiness of its wings.106Fumaria plumistra.107Geometra euphorbiata, &c.108Geometra thymiaria.—All collectors will recognise this as a very probable accident from the quantity of grease natural to moths, and which often destroys their finest specimens. The localities of these and other insects, with more particulars, may be found ably described in Mr. Samouelle’s valuable work on Entomology.THE END.BRADBURY AND EVANS, PRINTERS.
[p2]M. Gauci delt.Printed by C. Motte 23. Leicester Sqre.
ILLUSTRATED BY COLOURED PLATES.
LONDON:CHARLES TILT, 86, FLEET STREET.MDCCCXXXI.
[p4]LONDON:BRADBURY AND EVANS, PRINTERS,BOUVERIE STREET.
As theEmperor Moth1sat one evening in May,Fanned by numberless wings in the moon’s silver ray,[p6]While around him the zephyrs breathed sweetest perfume,Thus he spoke to his dwarf with theRagged white plume:2“That vain Butterfly’s Ball, I hear, was most splendid,And, as the world says, very fully attended,Though she never asked us, but assigned as a cause,We were all much too heavy to gallope and waltz.What impertinence this, want of grace to ascribeTo the Lord of the whole Lepidopterous tribe;I too’ll give a ball, and such folks to chastise,I’ll not be at home to these pert butterflies.[p7]Bid theEmpress3come hither, and we’ll talk aboutWhat arrangements to make for a capital rout.”[p6a]M. Gauci delt.Printed by C. Motte 23. Leicester Sqre.THE INVITATION.The Empress obeyed her lord’s summons with speed,And proceeded her visiting tablets to read,That those of her subjects, whose homage was bookedIn that coveted record, might not be o’erlooked.Then theBufftip4began to write each moth a card,Having one for herself just by way of reward.“First ask,” says the Emperor, “theGlory of Kent,5On having much beauty my mind is quite bent;[p8]TheBelle, too,of Brixton,6theMarvel du Jour,7And thePeach-blossom8moth you’ll invite, I am sure;TheSphinx9too, shall come, who makes riddles so well,And theGipsey10be ready our fortunes to tell;[p9]Mother Shipton11shall chap’rone the lovelyBlack I,12And those awkward Greek girls,Lambda,13Gamma,14andChi;15Hebrew Character,16too, who for routs has a passion;And I’ll ask Mrs.Gothic,17though she’s out of fashion,[p10]For I love my old friends, and had rather that theyShould partake of our feast, than the idle and gay,Who flutter about without object or reason,Just live for an hour, and last but a season.”How little, alas! do great moths bear in mind,That their tenure of life is of just the same kind.“You’re right,” said the Empress, “and truly ’twere shabby,T’exclude from our party poor old Mrs.Tabby,18[p11]And theRustics19I’ll ask, though not one has a gownIn which to appear, save of black, grey, or brown;And some of them go, too, so feathered and flounced,That theCoxcomb20calledProminent, on them pronouncedA sentence of censure, quite just, but so tart,That I felt, when I heard it, quite cut to the heart.[p12]But now to proceed, Sire, theLeopard21I vote,Be razed from our list, with that ugly oldGoat,22Who in youth made such terrible use of his jaws,That I dread, I confess, e’en the sight of his claws;And as to his muscles, ’tis said that when counted,To four thousand and just forty-one they amounted;[p13]Of Musk too, I’m told, he sheds such perfume,That wherever he goes, he fills the whole room.Exclude him we will, with the oldDromedary,23TheElephant24cunning, andFox25too, so wary,[p14]That though I don’t know it for certain, I’m toldThey cheat at Ecarté, like Hermes of old.[p14a]M. Gauci delt.Printed by C. Motte 23. Leicester Sqre.THE DEATH’S HEAD MOTH.TheGhost26andDeath’s head,27and that terrible host,Would but scare all the guests”—Here the Emperor lost,[p15]For a moment, his patience, and cried to his spouse,“If thus you proceed, ma’am, my anger you’ll rouse.Like th’ Egyptians of old, I’ll have at my feastA figure of death, or his cross-bones at least,To remind all our guests of the limited spanThat to moths is allotted, as well as to man,And how e’en in the midst of enjoyment’s gay hour,We are still in death’s stern and inflexible power.So let them have cards, and I’ll go and prepareFor receiving our friends, the best possible fare.”[p16]The Monarch then went with theEyed Hawk,28his scout,To search for a spot fit for giving his rout;A green ring he found, the work of a fairy,And thinking it looked both commodious and airy,He called to himBrimstone29to measure the ground,For anotherGeometra30could not be found;[p17]Of this workman he knew the correctness full well,What he wrought was as nice as if done by a spell.The spot was judged proper, and erected in hasteWere some well fashioned rooms, which displayed his good taste.Carpet Moths31were appointed to stencil the floor,TheClothes Moths32with gossamer covered the door;[p18]Mahogany33andWainscot34were neither deficientIn offering their aid, which proved most efficient,WhileVeneers,35both rosy and yellow, were ableT’improve, by their help, the decayed supper table.For the crockery,China Mark36promised to strive,AndGalleria37offered to steal from a hive,[p19]Profusion of honey;Pinguinalis38brought butter,And with waxCereana39came all in a flutter.These presents the Emperor gladly accepted,Save Galleria’s theft, which with scorn was rejected,So little do moths of great minds patroniseThe base who by fraud or extortion would rise.In the mean time the Empress herSwifts40had sent outTo deliver the cards for this elegant rout.[p20]Puss41sent an excuse, with theKitten42engaged,And theEggar,43poor lady, was highly enragedThat her numerous offspring requiring her care,Prevented her joining a party so rare.[p21]TheBurnets,44Brown Pinioned,45theDingy Brocades,46TheBlack Raven Feather,47and sweetAngle Shades,48Had promised that day with theTussock49to dine,A lady of fashion, whose hour was nine;But when they received their dread sovereign’s command,They yielded to custom’s imperious demand,[p22]For moths with us mortals in this do agree,That all parties must bow to a monarch’s decree.LadyLappet50being ill, thePoplar Lutestring51The two MissesNonpareil52promised to bring;And theSpectacle Moth,53too near sighted to go,Sent his ward theBright Eye,54with theFlame Furbelow,55[p23]Whose young lover, the beautiful, braveUnicorn,56Had been shot in a duel with theRed Striped Hawthorn.57Not quite fit to appear, the gallantSwallow Tail58At the doctors with anger continued to rail,[p24]He having been lamed by the awkwardBulrush,59To the serious alarm of the fairMaiden’s Blush.60The day now arrived, and at nine of the night,The glow-worm being hired the highways to light,The guests ’gan to assemble, and each was announcedBy theHerald,61who loudly their names all pronounced.TheErmine,62a lady of noble degree,Introduced a long train of her large family;[p25]Some inMuslin,63someSatin,64were chastely arrayed,While theEmerald,65thePearl,66and theMocha67displayedTheir jewels so costly, that poorBurnished Brass68Unnoticed was suffered the evening to pass.[p26]From the banks of the Niger theBlackamoor69broughtA fatMoor,70who presented aTyger71just caught;An oldGentlewoman72had promised to bringA musical Miss, who divinely could sing,But whose fair head, no larger than that of aDot,73Was filled with the thought of aTrue Lover’s Knot;74[p27]So she hem’d and she ha’d, then unblushingly told,How she caught as she came a most violent cold,And felt such oppression and pain in her throat,That she scarcely dared venture to utter a note;And thus with most Misses of human creation,How often their colds are but mere affectation.The dancing began, and soft music was heard,Provided, ’twas said, by the sweetHumming Bird.75Old ColonelGold Spangle,76his dancing days past,Volunteered with good humour the dances to cast;[p28]To the forward MissPortland77CaptainChristian78he brought,Who, aided by Mars, the young lady had caught,For moths, like their betters, as I have been told,Are mightily taken with scarlet and gold.TheForesters79danced, arrayed all in green,[p29]With theClear Wings,80whose beauty gave life to the scene;TheMouse,81quite enamoured, entreated in vainThe hand of the lovelyPease Blossom82to gain,And theSatellite,83though he till now had sat still,Made up to theSeraph84to dance a quadrille.[p30]TheQuakers,85who ne’er had been seen at a ball,With theCoronets86galloped around the great hall,And the sadMourning Widow,87her weeds put away,To waltz with the lustrousJapan,88now quite gay;While theMagpie89obtained universal applause,By fluttering a hornpipe upon his hind claws.[p31]TheVapourer90came not, but he was no loss,For wherever he went he was stupid and cross;And his wife, an old dowdy, bereft of all wings,Was unfit to appear as th’ associate of Kings;TheDagger91came armed, and looked all around,But his charmer, MissSnout,92was no where to be found,[p32]For she had not been asked, and theFigure of Eight,93With his cousin, theSprawler,94joined the party so late,That morn was forth peeping, and the dancing had done,WhenSpring Usher95announced the young beautifulNun.96[p33]TheGnomana97now indexed the hour of four,The guests were assembled around the great door,Which theLacqueys98threw open, and each in his rankFound a seat for himself, and they all ate and drankWith a relish that would not disgrace the Guildhall,(To compare for a moment such great things with small,)Where London’s Lord Mayor and his Aldermen deignTo feast upon turtle, and tipple champagne.[p34]OldDrinker,99the butler, of wine served the best,And aFootman100was placed at the chair of each guest,In orange, in yellow, or black coats dressed out,For their liveries, ’twas said, were all made for the rout,The Emperor began mirth and glee to inspire,When a loud cry was heard, of “the chimney’s on fire;”All started in fear from the table to learnIf the house was in flames, or likely to burn;[p35]Each snatched up a candle, so left the room dark,And the moment was seized by theChamomile Shark101To plunder the table. TheYorkshire Magpie102Strove also with his share of booty to fly,But was stopped by theLacqueys, who then in a triceDemolished themselves every thing that was nice.[p34a]M. Gauci delt.Printed by C. Motte 23. Leicester Sqre.THE ALARM.’Midst this glorious confusion a mischievousPug103Contrived of the claret to empty each jug,But not unperceived by youngMiss Exclamation,104[p36]Who by her loud cries caused immense consternation.Meanwhile came theSweep,105with theChimney Sweep’s Boy,106And two otherAssistants,107who ran to employEvery means they could think of to put out the flame,In which they succeeded, and found that the blameBelonged to theHousewife,108who had thrown in the fireSome grease, which occasioned the accident dire.[p37]The guests in a panic had now left aloneThe Emperor and Empress their ills to bemoan.Said the Empress, “My dear, let us never more tryWith the Butterflies’ party so vainly to vie;For what with the heat, the fatigue, and the fright,I never before passed so trying a night;I would not again undergo the vexationOf such a soirée, for the wealth of a nation.”“With you I agree,” the sage Emperor replied,Who deemed it a lesson to cure them of pride;[p38]“And I trust that the thread of our lives will spin out,Ere we ever again attempt such a rout.Alas! we must own we were never designedTo flit in the sunshine, or soar on the wind;Nature’s changeless decree has allotted its shareTo each beast of the field, to each bird of the air,To each reptile that creeps, to each insect that flies;And who dares to rebel against nature but dies?”
As theEmperor Moth1sat one evening in May,
Fanned by numberless wings in the moon’s silver ray,
[p6]While around him the zephyrs breathed sweetest perfume,
Thus he spoke to his dwarf with theRagged white plume:2
“That vain Butterfly’s Ball, I hear, was most splendid,
And, as the world says, very fully attended,
Though she never asked us, but assigned as a cause,
We were all much too heavy to gallope and waltz.
What impertinence this, want of grace to ascribe
To the Lord of the whole Lepidopterous tribe;
I too’ll give a ball, and such folks to chastise,
I’ll not be at home to these pert butterflies.
[p7]Bid theEmpress3come hither, and we’ll talk about
What arrangements to make for a capital rout.”
[p6a]M. Gauci delt.Printed by C. Motte 23. Leicester Sqre.THE INVITATION.
The Empress obeyed her lord’s summons with speed,
And proceeded her visiting tablets to read,
That those of her subjects, whose homage was booked
In that coveted record, might not be o’erlooked.
Then theBufftip4began to write each moth a card,
Having one for herself just by way of reward.
“First ask,” says the Emperor, “theGlory of Kent,5
On having much beauty my mind is quite bent;
[p8]TheBelle, too,of Brixton,6theMarvel du Jour,7
And thePeach-blossom8moth you’ll invite, I am sure;
TheSphinx9too, shall come, who makes riddles so well,
And theGipsey10be ready our fortunes to tell;
[p9]Mother Shipton11shall chap’rone the lovelyBlack I,12
And those awkward Greek girls,Lambda,13Gamma,14andChi;15
Hebrew Character,16too, who for routs has a passion;
And I’ll ask Mrs.Gothic,17though she’s out of fashion,
[p10]For I love my old friends, and had rather that they
Should partake of our feast, than the idle and gay,
Who flutter about without object or reason,
Just live for an hour, and last but a season.”
How little, alas! do great moths bear in mind,
That their tenure of life is of just the same kind.
“You’re right,” said the Empress, “and truly ’twere shabby,
T’exclude from our party poor old Mrs.Tabby,18
[p11]And theRustics19I’ll ask, though not one has a gown
In which to appear, save of black, grey, or brown;
And some of them go, too, so feathered and flounced,
That theCoxcomb20calledProminent, on them pronounced
A sentence of censure, quite just, but so tart,
That I felt, when I heard it, quite cut to the heart.
[p12]But now to proceed, Sire, theLeopard21I vote,
Be razed from our list, with that ugly oldGoat,22
Who in youth made such terrible use of his jaws,
That I dread, I confess, e’en the sight of his claws;
And as to his muscles, ’tis said that when counted,
To four thousand and just forty-one they amounted;
[p13]Of Musk too, I’m told, he sheds such perfume,
That wherever he goes, he fills the whole room.
Exclude him we will, with the oldDromedary,23
TheElephant24cunning, andFox25too, so wary,
[p14]That though I don’t know it for certain, I’m told
They cheat at Ecarté, like Hermes of old.
[p14a]M. Gauci delt.Printed by C. Motte 23. Leicester Sqre.THE DEATH’S HEAD MOTH.
TheGhost26andDeath’s head,27and that terrible host,
Would but scare all the guests”—Here the Emperor lost,
[p15]For a moment, his patience, and cried to his spouse,
“If thus you proceed, ma’am, my anger you’ll rouse.
Like th’ Egyptians of old, I’ll have at my feast
A figure of death, or his cross-bones at least,
To remind all our guests of the limited span
That to moths is allotted, as well as to man,
And how e’en in the midst of enjoyment’s gay hour,
We are still in death’s stern and inflexible power.
So let them have cards, and I’ll go and prepare
For receiving our friends, the best possible fare.”
[p16]The Monarch then went with theEyed Hawk,28his scout,
To search for a spot fit for giving his rout;
A green ring he found, the work of a fairy,
And thinking it looked both commodious and airy,
He called to himBrimstone29to measure the ground,
For anotherGeometra30could not be found;
[p17]Of this workman he knew the correctness full well,
What he wrought was as nice as if done by a spell.
The spot was judged proper, and erected in haste
Were some well fashioned rooms, which displayed his good taste.
Carpet Moths31were appointed to stencil the floor,
TheClothes Moths32with gossamer covered the door;
[p18]Mahogany33andWainscot34were neither deficient
In offering their aid, which proved most efficient,
WhileVeneers,35both rosy and yellow, were able
T’improve, by their help, the decayed supper table.
For the crockery,China Mark36promised to strive,
AndGalleria37offered to steal from a hive,
[p19]Profusion of honey;Pinguinalis38brought butter,
And with waxCereana39came all in a flutter.
These presents the Emperor gladly accepted,
Save Galleria’s theft, which with scorn was rejected,
So little do moths of great minds patronise
The base who by fraud or extortion would rise.
In the mean time the Empress herSwifts40had sent out
To deliver the cards for this elegant rout.
[p20]Puss41sent an excuse, with theKitten42engaged,
And theEggar,43poor lady, was highly enraged
That her numerous offspring requiring her care,
Prevented her joining a party so rare.
[p21]TheBurnets,44Brown Pinioned,45theDingy Brocades,46
TheBlack Raven Feather,47and sweetAngle Shades,48
Had promised that day with theTussock49to dine,
A lady of fashion, whose hour was nine;
But when they received their dread sovereign’s command,
They yielded to custom’s imperious demand,
[p22]For moths with us mortals in this do agree,
That all parties must bow to a monarch’s decree.
LadyLappet50being ill, thePoplar Lutestring51
The two MissesNonpareil52promised to bring;
And theSpectacle Moth,53too near sighted to go,
Sent his ward theBright Eye,54with theFlame Furbelow,55
[p23]Whose young lover, the beautiful, braveUnicorn,56
Had been shot in a duel with theRed Striped Hawthorn.57
Not quite fit to appear, the gallantSwallow Tail58
At the doctors with anger continued to rail,
[p24]He having been lamed by the awkwardBulrush,59
To the serious alarm of the fairMaiden’s Blush.60
The day now arrived, and at nine of the night,
The glow-worm being hired the highways to light,
The guests ’gan to assemble, and each was announced
By theHerald,61who loudly their names all pronounced.
TheErmine,62a lady of noble degree,
Introduced a long train of her large family;
[p25]Some inMuslin,63someSatin,64were chastely arrayed,
While theEmerald,65thePearl,66and theMocha67displayed
Their jewels so costly, that poorBurnished Brass68
Unnoticed was suffered the evening to pass.
[p26]From the banks of the Niger theBlackamoor69brought
A fatMoor,70who presented aTyger71just caught;
An oldGentlewoman72had promised to bring
A musical Miss, who divinely could sing,
But whose fair head, no larger than that of aDot,73
Was filled with the thought of aTrue Lover’s Knot;74
[p27]So she hem’d and she ha’d, then unblushingly told,
How she caught as she came a most violent cold,
And felt such oppression and pain in her throat,
That she scarcely dared venture to utter a note;
And thus with most Misses of human creation,
How often their colds are but mere affectation.
The dancing began, and soft music was heard,
Provided, ’twas said, by the sweetHumming Bird.75
Old ColonelGold Spangle,76his dancing days past,
Volunteered with good humour the dances to cast;
[p28]To the forward MissPortland77CaptainChristian78he brought,
Who, aided by Mars, the young lady had caught,
For moths, like their betters, as I have been told,
Are mightily taken with scarlet and gold.
TheForesters79danced, arrayed all in green,
[p29]With theClear Wings,80whose beauty gave life to the scene;
TheMouse,81quite enamoured, entreated in vain
The hand of the lovelyPease Blossom82to gain,
And theSatellite,83though he till now had sat still,
Made up to theSeraph84to dance a quadrille.
[p30]TheQuakers,85who ne’er had been seen at a ball,
With theCoronets86galloped around the great hall,
And the sadMourning Widow,87her weeds put away,
To waltz with the lustrousJapan,88now quite gay;
While theMagpie89obtained universal applause,
By fluttering a hornpipe upon his hind claws.
[p31]TheVapourer90came not, but he was no loss,
For wherever he went he was stupid and cross;
And his wife, an old dowdy, bereft of all wings,
Was unfit to appear as th’ associate of Kings;
TheDagger91came armed, and looked all around,
But his charmer, MissSnout,92was no where to be found,
[p32]For she had not been asked, and theFigure of Eight,93
With his cousin, theSprawler,94joined the party so late,
That morn was forth peeping, and the dancing had done,
WhenSpring Usher95announced the young beautifulNun.96
[p33]TheGnomana97now indexed the hour of four,
The guests were assembled around the great door,
Which theLacqueys98threw open, and each in his rank
Found a seat for himself, and they all ate and drank
With a relish that would not disgrace the Guildhall,
(To compare for a moment such great things with small,)
Where London’s Lord Mayor and his Aldermen deign
To feast upon turtle, and tipple champagne.
[p34]OldDrinker,99the butler, of wine served the best,
And aFootman100was placed at the chair of each guest,
In orange, in yellow, or black coats dressed out,
For their liveries, ’twas said, were all made for the rout,
The Emperor began mirth and glee to inspire,
When a loud cry was heard, of “the chimney’s on fire;”
All started in fear from the table to learn
If the house was in flames, or likely to burn;
[p35]Each snatched up a candle, so left the room dark,
And the moment was seized by theChamomile Shark101
To plunder the table. TheYorkshire Magpie102
Strove also with his share of booty to fly,
But was stopped by theLacqueys, who then in a trice
Demolished themselves every thing that was nice.
[p34a]M. Gauci delt.Printed by C. Motte 23. Leicester Sqre.THE ALARM.
’Midst this glorious confusion a mischievousPug103
Contrived of the claret to empty each jug,
But not unperceived by youngMiss Exclamation,104
[p36]Who by her loud cries caused immense consternation.
Meanwhile came theSweep,105with theChimney Sweep’s Boy,106
And two otherAssistants,107who ran to employ
Every means they could think of to put out the flame,
In which they succeeded, and found that the blame
Belonged to theHousewife,108who had thrown in the fire
Some grease, which occasioned the accident dire.
[p37]The guests in a panic had now left alone
The Emperor and Empress their ills to bemoan.
Said the Empress, “My dear, let us never more try
With the Butterflies’ party so vainly to vie;
For what with the heat, the fatigue, and the fright,
I never before passed so trying a night;
I would not again undergo the vexation
Of such a soirée, for the wealth of a nation.”
“With you I agree,” the sage Emperor replied,
Who deemed it a lesson to cure them of pride;
[p38]“And I trust that the thread of our lives will spin out,
Ere we ever again attempt such a rout.
Alas! we must own we were never designed
To flit in the sunshine, or soar on the wind;
Nature’s changeless decree has allotted its share
To each beast of the field, to each bird of the air,
To each reptile that creeps, to each insect that flies;
And who dares to rebel against nature but dies?”
1Saturnia pavonia minor.The caterpillars of these moths are of a beautiful green, with blue spots, and after living together for three weeks, they separate, and disperse themselves in all directions. The Chrysalis is covered with a strongly glutinous matter, which resists not only weather, but the perforation of other insects. The Pavonia Major is the largest of European moths, and, according to Latreille, a manufactory of silk from the cocoons has been established in Germany.2Pterophorus pentadactylus.Large White Plume. By some called Ragged Robin. The moths of this genus have their wings divided, or formed of feathers united at the base. The chrysalis is black.3Female of theSaturnia pavonia minor.4Pygæra bucephala.5Endromis versicolor.6Noctua catana.7Noctua aprilina.8Noctua batis.9The attitude of the caterpillars, resembling that of the Sphinx, has given this name to the tribe. The moths of the Sphinx have the peculiar power of erecting their wings, but even these cannot make them meet over the back as butterflies do. Their chief food is the potatoe plant.10Liparis dispar.—The caterpillars of the Gipsey are very destructive to fruit trees, over which they wander during the day, but at night retire into a web like that of a spider. In 1731, they attacked and destroyed most of the oaks in France.11Noctua mi.—Called Shipton, from the profile of an old woman which is marked on its upper wings.12Noctua I niger.—The Roman character, I, is marked on the wings of this moth.131415Noctua lambda,Noctua gamma,Noctua chi.—So named from the spots on their wings resembling these Greek characters. The caterpillars of the Noctua gamma, in 1735, infected the whole of France, and devoured the productions of the kitchen gardens. The common people supposed them to be poisonous, and consequently the use of herbs in making soups was forbidden.16Noctua gothica.17Noctua typica.18Pyralis genus.—The Tabby is often found in the tea chests in the East India warehouses, where it commits great ravages. It never is met with, however, in a chest that is not cracked, thereby proving its English origin.19Noctua nigra.—Black rustic.Noctua lævis.—Grey rustic.Noctua obsoletissima.—Brown rustic.Noctua phæa.—Feathered rustic.Noctua tinea.—Flounced rustic.20Notodonta camelina.—The singular name of Coxcomb Prominent, was given to this moth from the crest on its thorax, which resembles that of a cock. The specific name was bestowed in consequence of two lobes on its upper wings, which it raises when at rest.21Zeuzera æsculus.—The caterpillar feeds on the wood of apple trees, but the moth is often found in great abundance in St. James’s Park; sixty were gathered there in one morning, but the greater number had been half devoured by the birds.22Cossus ligniperda.—The caterpillar lives in the interior of trees, and has, according to Lyonet, 4041 muscles. It is three years before the insect attains its perfect state. The caterpillar emits a smell much resembling that of musk, and Ray and Linnæus both supposed it to be the Cossus mentioned by Pliny, as fattened with flour by the Roman epicures for their tables. Later writers have, however, for many reasons, ascribed this to the larva of the stag beetle.23Notodonta dromedarius.—This Notodonta is called Dromedary, from having two crests, similar to humps, on its thorax.24Sphinx elpenor.—The caterpillars of the Elephant feed on the plant called Ladies’ Bedstraw, (Galium palustre), from which they are often shaken by the wind into the water. When this happens, they dexterously turn themselves on their backs, make head and tail meet, and float in this posture till they can contrive to save themselves by clinging to some part of the plant. They possess the power of drawing the head and three first joints within the body at pleasure. The moth flies very late at night, and is rarely caught.25Lasiocampa rubi.—The Fox moth is chiefly found on heaths and commons, and lives in the caterpillar state all the winter.26Hepialus humuli.—The male moth is of a beautiful and brilliant white, but the female is yellow. It is fond of feeding on the roots of grass, and from having been often found in church-yards, the tradition has arisen that it inhabits those spots only. The caterpillar is very destructive to hops, by devouring the roots.27Sphinx atropos.—This is called the Death’s Head moth from the resemblance of the spot on its thorax to a human skull. It is the largest of the Sphinx tribe, and is vulgarly regarded as the messenger of pestilence and death. When touched it utters a plaintive cry, like that of a bat or mouse. Reaumur says, that a whole convent in France was thrown into consternation, by one of these moths flying into the dormitory. It frequently robs hives, and Huber states, that its cry renders the bees motionless. It breaks from its chrysalis between four and seven in the afternoon, as the Hawk moth of the Lime always appears at noon, and that of the Evening Primrose at sunrise.28Sphinxcellata.—The Eyed-hawk moth flies very swiftly by night, and its caterpillar is very beautiful.29Geometra cratægaria.—The Brimstone lays eggs twice in the same year.30This genus is so called from the peculiar manner in which the caterpillar moves; it brings the feet of both extremities close together, and the intermediate part of the body rises like an arch, giving it the appearance of measuring the distance it performs. It is said to possess great muscular powers, for it will attach its posterior feet to the twig of a tree, and erect the rest of its body in a vertical position for hours without moving.31Geometra subtristata.—&c. &c.32Tinea genus.—These are the moths which cause so much destruction to furs, and other articles of clothing. They lay their eggs on the substances which serve them for food. The most effectual method of keeping them away is to pack the materials in a well-closed tin box, and enclose with them a tallow candle.33Noctua tetra.34Leucania.—Genus of Stephens.35Crambus carnea.—Rosy veneer.Crambus arborum.—Yellow satin veneer. They receive their name from the streaks on their wings. They are chiefly found on grasses in flower, and always settled with their heads downwards.36Botys genus.—Called China mark, from the resemblance of the spots on the wings to those on old China.37Galleria alvearia.—The caterpillar lives on honey.38Aglossa pinguinalis.—The food of the caterpillar consists of fat substances, such as butter or lard, in which it will suffer itself to be completely enveloped without injury. It is sometimes said to get into the human stomach, when it causes very dangerous symptoms.39Galleria cereana.—The caterpillar feeds on wax, but for want of this food will eat paper, wafers, &c.40Hepialus genus.—The gold Swift sometimes moves slowly through the air, a few feet from the ground, where it poises itself; at others, vacillates like the pendulum of a clock, and again altering its motion, darts about with great rapidity.41Cerura vinula.—The caterpillar of the Puss has the power of stretching out, or pulling back its head at will, according to its apprehension of danger. Its hinder extremity never touches the ground, but is furnished with two tubes, through which the insect ejects a thin liquor at its pursuers. When near the change into the pupa state, however, the tubes dry up, and it loses this faculty. More male than female moths are to be found, which is contrary to the general rule.42Cerura furcula.—The kitten.43Lasiocampa quercus.—The Eggar has been known to remain seven years in the chrysalis state.44Zygæna genus.45Noctua oblonga.46Noctua obscura.47Porrectaria grandipennis.48Noctua meticulosa.—The chrysalis of the Angle-shades is of a deep red colour, with two sharp points at the tail. The caterpillar is of a fine transparent green.49Laria genus.—The Tussock feeds on white thorn, and is the hop-dog of the hop-gatherers in Kent.50Gastropacha quercifolia.—The caterpillar of this moth also lives through the winter, a fact recently discovered by Mr. Samouelle, from whose obliging communications many of these notes have been derived.51Noctua flavicornis.52Noctua fraxini.—The Nonpareils are very scarce in England, are very large moths, and have blue under-wings.53Noctua triplacea.—Named Spectacle moth, from an appearance like spectacles on its thorax.54Noctua conigera.—Brown line. Bright eye.55Noctua furca.56Sphinx convolvuli.—The unicorn caterpillar is difficult to find, from its habit of hiding itself in the ground, and only appearing on the surface in the evening to feed on the lesser bindweed, at which time it is frequently sought by collectors with a candle and lanthorn. The Pupa has an enormous rostrum, longer than the insect, and very thick, probably to contain the proboscis.57Tinea bistriga.—These are beautiful minute insects, and are found on the white thorn in July.58Geometra sambucaria.—This is found in lanes, and is remarkable for the elegance of its flight.59Noctua typhæ.—The caterpillar feeds on the pith of the bulrush.60Geometra punctaria.—The Maiden’s Blush flies in the shady parts of woods at sunset.61Noctua libatrix.62Erminea padi.—This insect destroys the white thorn hedges in the neighbourhood of London. About three years back, a dress was woven by the caterpillars for the Queen of Bavaria. A model was made of some stiff material, and the caterpillars placed on it; they covered it with their web, and thus produced a garment without a seam.63Arctia mendica.64Arctia salicis.—The Satin moth not only itself wears the appearance of this substance, but covers its eggs with a web which has the same resemblance.65Geometra papilio naria.—66Noctua perla.—67Geometra omicromaria.—These moths in colour resemble the stones, &c., after which they are named. The Emerald becomes white with keeping, and the others turn to a dirty yellow.68Noctua chrysitis.—The upper wings of the moth are of a light brown, and streaked across with two bands resembling polished brass.69Noctua Ethiops.—So named from its dark appearance.70Noctua Maura.—The Moor has a broad body, and is constantly found under the arches of Westminster Bridge.71Arctia caja.—The caterpillar mixes its own hair with its web. It is found in gardens, feeds on every thing, and changes its skin ten times.72Noctua brassica.—The caterpillar is very destructive to cabbages.73Noctua persicaria.—This moth is remarkable for a white spot on its wing, and the caterpillar feeds on the flower from which it is named.74Noctua erica.—The appearance of a true lover’s knot is found on its upper wings.75Macroglossum stellatarum.—It makes a humming noise with the vibration of its wings. It is found from March till September, hovering over geraniums, and constantly appears at two o’clock in the afternoon.76Noctua bractea.—This is a rare insect, and receives its name from the large spot in each upper wing, resembling burnished gold.77Noctua precox.—This moth was named after the Duchess of Portland, who first found it.78Tortrix genus.—The genus receives its name from the faculty possessed by the caterpillar, of rolling or twisting the leaves of the plants it inhabits, into a tubular form. The Christian, or Christianern, is found in the chalk pits of Kent, resting on cinque-foil. The upper wings are of a bright yellow, streaked with scarlet.79Ino statices.—The body and wings are of a beautiful metallic green, and they chiefly inhabit meadows.80Ægeria genus.—They receive their name from the transparency of their wings. They are principally found on the wood of the currant tree.81Noctua tragopogonus.—Called Mouse from its colour.82Noctua delphinii.—The Pease blossom is a very beautiful, but rare moth. It feeds on the wild larkspur, and lies in the pupa state from August till the June following.83Noctua satellitia.—The caterpillars of the Satellite are great enemies to white thorn, currant, and gooseberry bushes, and also to other caterpillars.84Geometra hexapterata.—The Seraph, or Seraphim, has two little processes like the rudiments of another pair of wings, whence its specific name.85Noctua cerasi, &c.—These moths are remarkably neat in appearance.86Noctua ligustri.—The Coronets are so called from their crested thorax.87Geometra luctuaria.88Adela genus.—The Japan moths are distinguished by the length of their antennae, which several times exceed the length of their bodies.89Abraxas grossulariata.—The destructive caterpillar of this moth lives in gardens, through the winter, and feeds on the buds as they begin to open. When about to change to the chrysalis state, they suspend themselves by the tail.90Bombyx antiqua.—The female moth is destitute of wings, and the male is constantly seen, slowly fluttering through the streets of London.91Noctua psi.—The Dagger is produced from a light green egg, and is named from the mark on its wings.92Herminia rostralis.—Called Snout, from the form of the palpi, which project over the head.93Bombyx cæruleocephala.—It owes its English name to the figure of eight, marked in white on its brown wings.94Bombyx cassinea.—The Sprawler is found on palings, closely adhering to the wood, and rests with its anterior feet widely spread out.95Geometra leucophearia.—This is named Spring Usher from making its appearance in February; it is a favourite food with insectivorous birds.96Noctua aprica.97Tortrix gnomana.—Dial moth. It flies from side to side like the pendulum of a clock.98Lasiocampa neustria, &c.—The caterpillars live in a common web, and are striped with white, blue, and red, whence, by the French naturalists, they are calledlivrée. They are polyphagus,i. e.they eat every thing. They lay their eggs in close, compact rings, round the twigs of trees.99Odenensis potatoria.—The caterpillar of this moth (according to Godart) after drinking, lifts up its head like a hen, whence it receives its name.100Lithosia aurantia(orange)—Lithosia luterella(yellow)Lithosia rubricollis(black)—Footman.101Noctua chamomilla.—The moth attaches itself close to the edges of wood, as near its own colour as possible.102Abraxas ulmaria.—Found abundantly in Yorkshire.103Geometra genus.104Noctua exclamationis.105Geometra chærophyllata.—All the moths called Chimney-sweeps are black, but the Chimney-sweep’s boy is smaller than the others, and easily distinguished by the glossiness of its wings.106Fumaria plumistra.107Geometra euphorbiata, &c.108Geometra thymiaria.—All collectors will recognise this as a very probable accident from the quantity of grease natural to moths, and which often destroys their finest specimens. The localities of these and other insects, with more particulars, may be found ably described in Mr. Samouelle’s valuable work on Entomology.
1Saturnia pavonia minor.The caterpillars of these moths are of a beautiful green, with blue spots, and after living together for three weeks, they separate, and disperse themselves in all directions. The Chrysalis is covered with a strongly glutinous matter, which resists not only weather, but the perforation of other insects. The Pavonia Major is the largest of European moths, and, according to Latreille, a manufactory of silk from the cocoons has been established in Germany.
2Pterophorus pentadactylus.Large White Plume. By some called Ragged Robin. The moths of this genus have their wings divided, or formed of feathers united at the base. The chrysalis is black.
3Female of theSaturnia pavonia minor.
4Pygæra bucephala.
5Endromis versicolor.
6Noctua catana.
7Noctua aprilina.
8Noctua batis.
9The attitude of the caterpillars, resembling that of the Sphinx, has given this name to the tribe. The moths of the Sphinx have the peculiar power of erecting their wings, but even these cannot make them meet over the back as butterflies do. Their chief food is the potatoe plant.
10Liparis dispar.—The caterpillars of the Gipsey are very destructive to fruit trees, over which they wander during the day, but at night retire into a web like that of a spider. In 1731, they attacked and destroyed most of the oaks in France.
11Noctua mi.—Called Shipton, from the profile of an old woman which is marked on its upper wings.
12Noctua I niger.—The Roman character, I, is marked on the wings of this moth.
131415Noctua lambda,Noctua gamma,Noctua chi.—So named from the spots on their wings resembling these Greek characters. The caterpillars of the Noctua gamma, in 1735, infected the whole of France, and devoured the productions of the kitchen gardens. The common people supposed them to be poisonous, and consequently the use of herbs in making soups was forbidden.
16Noctua gothica.
17Noctua typica.
18Pyralis genus.—The Tabby is often found in the tea chests in the East India warehouses, where it commits great ravages. It never is met with, however, in a chest that is not cracked, thereby proving its English origin.
19Noctua nigra.—Black rustic.Noctua lævis.—Grey rustic.Noctua obsoletissima.—Brown rustic.Noctua phæa.—Feathered rustic.Noctua tinea.—Flounced rustic.
20Notodonta camelina.—The singular name of Coxcomb Prominent, was given to this moth from the crest on its thorax, which resembles that of a cock. The specific name was bestowed in consequence of two lobes on its upper wings, which it raises when at rest.
21Zeuzera æsculus.—The caterpillar feeds on the wood of apple trees, but the moth is often found in great abundance in St. James’s Park; sixty were gathered there in one morning, but the greater number had been half devoured by the birds.
22Cossus ligniperda.—The caterpillar lives in the interior of trees, and has, according to Lyonet, 4041 muscles. It is three years before the insect attains its perfect state. The caterpillar emits a smell much resembling that of musk, and Ray and Linnæus both supposed it to be the Cossus mentioned by Pliny, as fattened with flour by the Roman epicures for their tables. Later writers have, however, for many reasons, ascribed this to the larva of the stag beetle.
23Notodonta dromedarius.—This Notodonta is called Dromedary, from having two crests, similar to humps, on its thorax.
24Sphinx elpenor.—The caterpillars of the Elephant feed on the plant called Ladies’ Bedstraw, (Galium palustre), from which they are often shaken by the wind into the water. When this happens, they dexterously turn themselves on their backs, make head and tail meet, and float in this posture till they can contrive to save themselves by clinging to some part of the plant. They possess the power of drawing the head and three first joints within the body at pleasure. The moth flies very late at night, and is rarely caught.
25Lasiocampa rubi.—The Fox moth is chiefly found on heaths and commons, and lives in the caterpillar state all the winter.
26Hepialus humuli.—The male moth is of a beautiful and brilliant white, but the female is yellow. It is fond of feeding on the roots of grass, and from having been often found in church-yards, the tradition has arisen that it inhabits those spots only. The caterpillar is very destructive to hops, by devouring the roots.
27Sphinx atropos.—This is called the Death’s Head moth from the resemblance of the spot on its thorax to a human skull. It is the largest of the Sphinx tribe, and is vulgarly regarded as the messenger of pestilence and death. When touched it utters a plaintive cry, like that of a bat or mouse. Reaumur says, that a whole convent in France was thrown into consternation, by one of these moths flying into the dormitory. It frequently robs hives, and Huber states, that its cry renders the bees motionless. It breaks from its chrysalis between four and seven in the afternoon, as the Hawk moth of the Lime always appears at noon, and that of the Evening Primrose at sunrise.
28Sphinxcellata.—The Eyed-hawk moth flies very swiftly by night, and its caterpillar is very beautiful.
29Geometra cratægaria.—The Brimstone lays eggs twice in the same year.
30This genus is so called from the peculiar manner in which the caterpillar moves; it brings the feet of both extremities close together, and the intermediate part of the body rises like an arch, giving it the appearance of measuring the distance it performs. It is said to possess great muscular powers, for it will attach its posterior feet to the twig of a tree, and erect the rest of its body in a vertical position for hours without moving.
31Geometra subtristata.—&c. &c.
32Tinea genus.—These are the moths which cause so much destruction to furs, and other articles of clothing. They lay their eggs on the substances which serve them for food. The most effectual method of keeping them away is to pack the materials in a well-closed tin box, and enclose with them a tallow candle.
33Noctua tetra.
34Leucania.—Genus of Stephens.
35Crambus carnea.—Rosy veneer.Crambus arborum.—Yellow satin veneer. They receive their name from the streaks on their wings. They are chiefly found on grasses in flower, and always settled with their heads downwards.
36Botys genus.—Called China mark, from the resemblance of the spots on the wings to those on old China.
37Galleria alvearia.—The caterpillar lives on honey.
38Aglossa pinguinalis.—The food of the caterpillar consists of fat substances, such as butter or lard, in which it will suffer itself to be completely enveloped without injury. It is sometimes said to get into the human stomach, when it causes very dangerous symptoms.
39Galleria cereana.—The caterpillar feeds on wax, but for want of this food will eat paper, wafers, &c.
40Hepialus genus.—The gold Swift sometimes moves slowly through the air, a few feet from the ground, where it poises itself; at others, vacillates like the pendulum of a clock, and again altering its motion, darts about with great rapidity.
41Cerura vinula.—The caterpillar of the Puss has the power of stretching out, or pulling back its head at will, according to its apprehension of danger. Its hinder extremity never touches the ground, but is furnished with two tubes, through which the insect ejects a thin liquor at its pursuers. When near the change into the pupa state, however, the tubes dry up, and it loses this faculty. More male than female moths are to be found, which is contrary to the general rule.
42Cerura furcula.—The kitten.
43Lasiocampa quercus.—The Eggar has been known to remain seven years in the chrysalis state.
44Zygæna genus.
45Noctua oblonga.
46Noctua obscura.
47Porrectaria grandipennis.
48Noctua meticulosa.—The chrysalis of the Angle-shades is of a deep red colour, with two sharp points at the tail. The caterpillar is of a fine transparent green.
49Laria genus.—The Tussock feeds on white thorn, and is the hop-dog of the hop-gatherers in Kent.
50Gastropacha quercifolia.—The caterpillar of this moth also lives through the winter, a fact recently discovered by Mr. Samouelle, from whose obliging communications many of these notes have been derived.
51Noctua flavicornis.
52Noctua fraxini.—The Nonpareils are very scarce in England, are very large moths, and have blue under-wings.
53Noctua triplacea.—Named Spectacle moth, from an appearance like spectacles on its thorax.
54Noctua conigera.—Brown line. Bright eye.
55Noctua furca.
56Sphinx convolvuli.—The unicorn caterpillar is difficult to find, from its habit of hiding itself in the ground, and only appearing on the surface in the evening to feed on the lesser bindweed, at which time it is frequently sought by collectors with a candle and lanthorn. The Pupa has an enormous rostrum, longer than the insect, and very thick, probably to contain the proboscis.
57Tinea bistriga.—These are beautiful minute insects, and are found on the white thorn in July.
58Geometra sambucaria.—This is found in lanes, and is remarkable for the elegance of its flight.
59Noctua typhæ.—The caterpillar feeds on the pith of the bulrush.
60Geometra punctaria.—The Maiden’s Blush flies in the shady parts of woods at sunset.
61Noctua libatrix.
62Erminea padi.—This insect destroys the white thorn hedges in the neighbourhood of London. About three years back, a dress was woven by the caterpillars for the Queen of Bavaria. A model was made of some stiff material, and the caterpillars placed on it; they covered it with their web, and thus produced a garment without a seam.
63Arctia mendica.
64Arctia salicis.—The Satin moth not only itself wears the appearance of this substance, but covers its eggs with a web which has the same resemblance.
65Geometra papilio naria.—66Noctua perla.—67Geometra omicromaria.—These moths in colour resemble the stones, &c., after which they are named. The Emerald becomes white with keeping, and the others turn to a dirty yellow.
68Noctua chrysitis.—The upper wings of the moth are of a light brown, and streaked across with two bands resembling polished brass.
69Noctua Ethiops.—So named from its dark appearance.
70Noctua Maura.—The Moor has a broad body, and is constantly found under the arches of Westminster Bridge.
71Arctia caja.—The caterpillar mixes its own hair with its web. It is found in gardens, feeds on every thing, and changes its skin ten times.
72Noctua brassica.—The caterpillar is very destructive to cabbages.
73Noctua persicaria.—This moth is remarkable for a white spot on its wing, and the caterpillar feeds on the flower from which it is named.
74Noctua erica.—The appearance of a true lover’s knot is found on its upper wings.
75Macroglossum stellatarum.—It makes a humming noise with the vibration of its wings. It is found from March till September, hovering over geraniums, and constantly appears at two o’clock in the afternoon.
76Noctua bractea.—This is a rare insect, and receives its name from the large spot in each upper wing, resembling burnished gold.
77Noctua precox.—This moth was named after the Duchess of Portland, who first found it.
78Tortrix genus.—The genus receives its name from the faculty possessed by the caterpillar, of rolling or twisting the leaves of the plants it inhabits, into a tubular form. The Christian, or Christianern, is found in the chalk pits of Kent, resting on cinque-foil. The upper wings are of a bright yellow, streaked with scarlet.
79Ino statices.—The body and wings are of a beautiful metallic green, and they chiefly inhabit meadows.
80Ægeria genus.—They receive their name from the transparency of their wings. They are principally found on the wood of the currant tree.
81Noctua tragopogonus.—Called Mouse from its colour.
82Noctua delphinii.—The Pease blossom is a very beautiful, but rare moth. It feeds on the wild larkspur, and lies in the pupa state from August till the June following.
83Noctua satellitia.—The caterpillars of the Satellite are great enemies to white thorn, currant, and gooseberry bushes, and also to other caterpillars.
84Geometra hexapterata.—The Seraph, or Seraphim, has two little processes like the rudiments of another pair of wings, whence its specific name.
85Noctua cerasi, &c.—These moths are remarkably neat in appearance.
86Noctua ligustri.—The Coronets are so called from their crested thorax.
87Geometra luctuaria.
88Adela genus.—The Japan moths are distinguished by the length of their antennae, which several times exceed the length of their bodies.
89Abraxas grossulariata.—The destructive caterpillar of this moth lives in gardens, through the winter, and feeds on the buds as they begin to open. When about to change to the chrysalis state, they suspend themselves by the tail.
90Bombyx antiqua.—The female moth is destitute of wings, and the male is constantly seen, slowly fluttering through the streets of London.
91Noctua psi.—The Dagger is produced from a light green egg, and is named from the mark on its wings.
92Herminia rostralis.—Called Snout, from the form of the palpi, which project over the head.
93Bombyx cæruleocephala.—It owes its English name to the figure of eight, marked in white on its brown wings.
94Bombyx cassinea.—The Sprawler is found on palings, closely adhering to the wood, and rests with its anterior feet widely spread out.
95Geometra leucophearia.—This is named Spring Usher from making its appearance in February; it is a favourite food with insectivorous birds.
96Noctua aprica.
97Tortrix gnomana.—Dial moth. It flies from side to side like the pendulum of a clock.
98Lasiocampa neustria, &c.—The caterpillars live in a common web, and are striped with white, blue, and red, whence, by the French naturalists, they are calledlivrée. They are polyphagus,i. e.they eat every thing. They lay their eggs in close, compact rings, round the twigs of trees.
99Odenensis potatoria.—The caterpillar of this moth (according to Godart) after drinking, lifts up its head like a hen, whence it receives its name.
100Lithosia aurantia(orange)—Lithosia luterella(yellow)Lithosia rubricollis(black)—Footman.
101Noctua chamomilla.—The moth attaches itself close to the edges of wood, as near its own colour as possible.
102Abraxas ulmaria.—Found abundantly in Yorkshire.
103Geometra genus.
104Noctua exclamationis.
105Geometra chærophyllata.—All the moths called Chimney-sweeps are black, but the Chimney-sweep’s boy is smaller than the others, and easily distinguished by the glossiness of its wings.
106Fumaria plumistra.
107Geometra euphorbiata, &c.
108Geometra thymiaria.—All collectors will recognise this as a very probable accident from the quantity of grease natural to moths, and which often destroys their finest specimens. The localities of these and other insects, with more particulars, may be found ably described in Mr. Samouelle’s valuable work on Entomology.
THE END.
BRADBURY AND EVANS, PRINTERS.