I not only arose `betimes,'
but at any time I heard a scratching and tugging moth working to
enter the world, and when its head was out, I was up and ready
with note-book and camera. Day helped the matter but slightly,
for any moth emerging in the night had to be provided a location,
and pictured before ten o'clock or it was not safe to take it
outside. Then I had literally 'to fly' to develop the plate,
make my print and secure exact colour reproduction while the moth
was fresh.
For this is a point to remember in photographing a moth. A FREE
LIVING MOTH NEVER RAISES ITS WINGS HIGHER THAN A STRAIGHT LINE FROM
THE BASES CROSSING THE TOP OF THE THORAX. It requires expert and
adept coaxing to get them horizontal with their bases. If you do,
you show all markings required; and preserve natural values, quite
the most important things to be considered.
I made a discovery with Carolina. Moths having digestive organs
and that are feeders are susceptible to anaesthetics in a far
higher degree than those that do not feed.
Pages:
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206