A Butterfly Chase

Chapter 14: XIII.

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About This Book

Two young cousins, equipped by an uncle with a book, nets, and specimen tools, attempt to make a grand butterfly collection while their aunt prefers watching insects alive. The narrative follows their clumsy, patient chases through a daisy meadow, misadventures with torn nets, escapes and occasional captures, and the curious presence of a donkey. Interspersed with practical instructions and descriptive illustrations, the account balances hands-on details about catching and mounting butterflies with gentle reflections on childhood curiosity, the ethics of collecting, and learning to observe nature.

XIII.

Bertie never laughed so much in his life. Minnie, who certainly was not expecting anything of the kind, is so taken by surprise that she jumps up on her feet; and the butterfly, quite as much astonished at what he has done, flies off again as quickly as before. Minnie cannot leave off rubbing her nose; the butterfly’s little feet did tickle her so.

‘He is a very rude butterfly,’ said Minnie.

‘Oh! he must have mistaken your little nose for a flower,’ said Bertie. ‘He did not mean to offend you. He meant to be very polite.’