e at the side of
my path. The diversity of the butterfly species in the swarm struck me
as singular, and the mere allurement of the blackberry blossoms--not
usually of especial attraction to butterflies--could hardly explain so
extensive a gathering. Here was the great yellow swallow-tail
(_Turnus_), red admiral (_Atlanta_), small yellow butterfly
(_Philodice_), white cabbage-butterfly, comma and semicolon, and
numerous small fry, fluttering about me in evident protest against my
intrusion. They showed no inclination to vacate the premises, so, in
pursuance of one of the first articles of my saunterer's creed, I
concluded to retreat softly a few paces and watch for developments. One
by one the swarm sought their original haunt, settling on the bramble,
and I now noticed that only in occasional instances did the insects seek
the flowers, the attraction seeming to be confined to the leaves. I
stole up softly for a nearer point of observation, and could now
distinctly see the beautiful yellow and black open wings of the
swallow-tail softly gliding or gently fluttering as it hung from the
edge of a leaf, while it explored its surface with its uncoiled
capillary tongue. Just beyond my _Turnus_, on another leaf, I now noted
a new presence, the orange Aphrodite butterfly, silvery spotted, its
nether wings being folded over its back, too much absorbed to have been
startled by my first approach. Occasionally, without any cause which I
could detect from my present position--certainly in no way connected
with my presence--a small swarm of the butterflies would rise in a
flutter above the bush, as though actuated by a common whim--a brief
winged tangle in which a beautiful sprite of velvety black hovering in a
globular halo, shot through with two white semicircular arcs, was always
a momentary feature.

Carefully stealing through the tall grass, I now approached to within
touching distance of the haunt, and was soon lost in mingled wonder,
amusement, and surprise at the picnic now disclosed, the occasional
butterfly swarm being now easily explained. From my first point of view
only the top of the bramble spray was visible above the grass, and by
far the most interesting portion of the exercises had been concealed
from view. The butterflies, while naturally the most conspicuous
element, were now seen to be in a small minority among the insect
gathering, the bramble leaves being peopled with a most motley and
democratic assemblage o