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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.
Poor Minnie is quite frightened. Bertie has tumbled right upon her; and Bertie is so heavy. Besides, she has got very wet, and her pretty white frock is all dirtied with the mud. It is not nice at all. Bertie helps her up, but she is half inclined to cry.
‘Oh,’ says Bertie, ‘when we go a-hunting we must not mind such little things; we shall be sure to have plenty more of the same sort.’
Minnie begins to think she has had enough already.