The English moths and butterflies

MARCH.

From the 15th to the 25th of this Month, a Moth called the Orange Under-Wing, may be taken in Hornsey-Wood, and in the Fields close to the Sides thereof. It flies in the Day-time, is an exceeding pretty Moth, and not to be met with in such Plenty any where else, that I know of. The Oak-Beauty, and some other Moths are bred in this Month, but are rarely met with in the Fly State.

APRIL.

In this Month a great Variety of Caterpillars and Chrysalides may be taken by the Method already described. The Banks about the Chelsea Water-Works and such-like Places are most likely to furnish the Chrysalides of the Hawk Tribe.

At the Roots of the Elm, Lime, Willow, and Poplar Trees, you will find in this Month a Variety of Aureliæ, which will produce their Flies in the May and June following.

Be now diligent to collect Caterpillars from all kinds of Growths, which, if taken Care of, will produce their Flies a few Months hence. Towards the End of this Month some Flies may be taken in the Day-time, and some Moths in the Evening.

MAY.

This delightful Month brings forth in the Woods and Meads a surprising Variety of Flies. Hornsey, Cain, and Tottenham Woods; the Woods near Southgate; Hanging Wood, by Charlton, in Kent; Oak of Honour Wood, by Dulwich; Comb Wood, by Kingstone, in Surrey, and the Fields adjacent are all frequented by them in this Month in the Day-time as well as in the Evening; and if the Weather be fine you will never fail of Sport. Abundance of different Caterpillars are likewise to be found at this Time, such as those of the Emperor-Moth, of the Lappit, Drinker, Egger, and of Numbers of other Sorts.

JUNE.

This Month adds greatly to the Number of Flies bred in May.—From the 20th to the 30th are usually produced: in Southgate, Comb, and Oak of Honour Woods, the Great Fritillary and other fine Butterflies, with Plenty of Moths; all which may be taken in and near the Woods already mentioned.

JULY.

The first ten Days in this Month are the Time for taking the Purple Emperor-Butterfly in Comb Wood; and the Fields adjacent can furnish such a charming Variety of Moths and Butterflies, that I do not know any Place where an Aurelian can spend a Week with more Satisfaction and Assurance of Success. As soon as the Purple Emperor-Butterfly begins to grow bad, the Time comes on when the second Breed of the Swallow-tail Butterfly is quite fresh, as also the Great Tortoise-shell, Peacock Butterfly, &c. About the Middle of this Month you may find the Great Red Underwing and the Goat-Moth standing against the Willow-Trees which usually grow by the Sides of Ditches about the old Barge-House, Rotherhith, Vauxhall, and likewise in other Places. Seek also for the Caterpillars that produce the Great Elephant and Gold-Spot Moths: the most certain Places to find which, that I know of, are by the Sides of the Ditches in Rotherhith Marshes. The Caterpillars that produce the Elephant Moth feeds on the White Ladies Bedstraw, those of the Gold-Spot on the Great Water-Grass. I have taken the Gold-Spot Chrysalis and Caterpillar likewise in the low Grounds by Vauxhall in Surry.

AUGUST.

At the Beginning of this Month may be found amongst the Willows, about the Banks by the Chelsea Water-Works, the Caterpillars that produce the Eyed-Willow and Poplar-Hawks, also the Buff-Tip-Puss, &c. and from the 20th to the 30th the Admirable Butterfly, &c.

SEPTEMBER.

If this Month proves fine, a great many scarce Moths are to be taken in the Evenings, and the second Brood of the Comma-Butterfly, as well as some other Flies, present themselves. Caterpillars are likewise to be got in Plenty off the Oak, Black-Thorn, and a Variety of other Foods; and these, if taken Care of, will produce scarce and valuable Flies in the succeeding

Spring. From the End of this Month to the Middle of March
there are but few Flies that frequent the Fields; altho’
I am of Opinion that some Moths are
bred in every Month of
the Year.