The Minneapolis journal., 1901-05-25

Pasadena, Cal.-For weeks a re-
markable migration has been taking
place in southern California, and it is still
in progress. The migrant is brown but
terfy, known as Pyrameis cardui.
AT first the butterflies were noticed in
twos and threes, then in dozens, all fly
ing in one direction, to the northwest and
parallel to the Sierra Madre range. 1t is
apparent that a migration of stupendous
magnitude involving billions Of insects is
taking place. Some idea of the numbers
can be conceived when it is said that in
looking across a lawn, 90x40 feet, four
or five butterflies are continually cross
ing the line of vision, and this was true.
so far as could be learned, of every lot
in the vicinity
The insects move with regular rate
of speed, always in the same direction;
now in pairs, again singly or in groups
of ten or twelve. Such specimens ex-
amined show that they travelled long
distance, and it is thought by some that
the migration began in Mexico, hundreds
of miles away. Why the insects should
follow along certain lines is beyond the
comprehension of local experts.
In attempting to guess at the cause it
may be assumed that it has been a favor
able year for this butterfly in some region
to the south, and that the countless cater
pillars nave changed IHlO III
such vast swarms that to obtain food they
have begun this migration, the direction
Of which has been governed to some eX-
tent by the mountain range. In 1900 this
country was visited by a migration OF yell
low butterflies, Colias eurytheme, which
extented over about the same territory
and presented in the sunlight beautiful
spectacle. This lasted for three weeks
the insects undoubtedly spreading out over
the state.
California has seen other queer migra-
tions Some years ago a remarkable mi
grafton of tarantulas was seen near the
town Of Whittier. A rider passing through
the country in early morning found that
his horse was excited about something
and soon discovered that the ground was
covered with the gigantic spiders moving
in one direction, probably to better their
condition.
One Of the most remarkable migrations
observed by the writer was of caterpillars.
They swept through New England city
like a fire. They were heralded afar like
a devastating army and the following day
covered the city and land with rolling
horrible mass. The very earth seemed to
move, and when they came to a gutter
or declivity they rolled over like water,
filling II up to the brin. The citizens
flooded the streets, surrounded their lawns
with tar water, but to no avail SO rapid
ly did the insects move that in few days
not a worm could be found and not
blade of grass was left untouched.
Migrations of rats have been known.
also of squirrels, the latter moving over
the country in thousands Many fishes
are affected by seasons of activity. The
writer once witnessed on the Maine coast
the arrival of a devastating horde OF dog
fishes or small sharks two or three feet in
length. The day previous not one was
seen, but suddenly they appeared like an
army. The cod and haddock fishing Of the
locality was completely ruined by the
voracious throng, and the fishermen be-
gan to fish for the small sharks, which
were converted into dressing for farms
while the livers were made into oil.
Some years ago there was a remark
able migration of crabs at the mouth of
the St. James river. They moved slowly
along to the north, and not only covered
the bottom, but countless numbers swan
in midwater. Not a foot of the sandy
bottom was free of crabs, SO that 1t was
impossible to put an oar down without
striking one or more. For several days
this movement continued.