To see those
large brilliantly-coloured wings droop, widen, and develop their
markings, seemed little short of a miracle.
The history of the following days is painful. I not only wanted
a series of this moth as I wanted nothing else concerning the book,
but with the riches of three fine pupa cases of it on hand, I had
promised Professor Rowley eggs from which to obtain its history
for himself. I had taxed Mr. Rowley's time and patience as an
expert lepidopterist, to read my text, and examine my illustration;
and I hoped in a small way to repay his kindness by sending him a
box of fertile Regalis eggs.
The other pupa cases were healthful and lively, but the moths would
not emerge. I coaxed them in the warmth of closed palms--I even
laid them on dampened moss in the sun in the hope of softening the
cases, and driving the moths out with the heat, but to no avail.
They would not come forth.
I had made my studies of the big moth, when she was fully
developed; but to my despair, she was depositing worthless eggs
over the inside of my screen door.
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