Protected by Their Colours.
Some of the most ephemeral of insects show a genius for taking- advantage of their colouring. One of the most beautiful of the butterflies of India, when pursued, furls his wings and clings to the stem of a leaf so as to appear part of the bush or tree. On the upper side his wings are very brilliantly coloured and beautifully marked. The lower side of his wings is the colour of the bark of a tree. He knows that he is in danger from both birds and'other enemies. When in danger he seeks refuge in a bush or tree, clinging to the steam of a leaf so narrowed, so elongated, and so still that the sharpest eye fails to recognise him as a living creature. In that position he hangs- for hours. Not a tremor of antennae, thorax, or abdomen betrays him.
'Tis well for men to learn self-con> quest in the school of suffering.
I never think it necessary to repeat calumnies; they are sparks, which, if you do not blow them, will go out of themselves.
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Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 7 August 1912, Page 7
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183Protected by Their Colours. Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 7 August 1912, Page 7
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