The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-04-05
Parks Stocked with Butterflies.

Parks Stocked With Butterflies.
A scheme for stocking London parks
with butterflies has recently been agitated
and 1T Is by no means certain that some
thing CT the kind may not seriously be at
tempted. 1t is believed by some we'll
Informed authorities to be worth trying,
though undeniably there are serious diff
fculties in the way.
One trouble lies in the fact that most
butterflies are more or less migratory in
habit, and this remark applies to nearly
all OF the species commonly seen in cities.
Obviously, there would be no use in estab-
fishing colonies of these insects in urban
pleasure grounds, If they were likely to
take unto themselves wings in literal
sense, on relinquishing the larval condi-
ton, and to fly away. To renew the
stock annually would be expensive, and
for other reasons out of the question.
1T has been suggested that there are
some very pretty butterflies to which this
objection does not apply, and that in the
non migratory category are found the
Vanessas-medium- sized insects Of mot
tied celebration, black, white, and reddish
brown. Relatively speaking, they are sed-
entary, and might be induced to stay
where they are put, if the surroundings
were attractive and suitable
Butterflies, like moths, are Matched
from eggs, make their first appearance as
caterpillars, and, after spinning cocoons,
are finally transformed into the beautiful
winged adults. AS caterpillars they feed
on leaves but in the final stage they suck
the Juice of flowers. AS rule, they hi
bernate as butterflies in hollow trees and
other such places of concealment.
New Uses for Aluminium.
Several patents have been granted re-
Gently on processes for plating aluminium,
and it is hoped that some of these will
render the metal available for greater
variety Of uses than at present.
Employments for aluminium are some
what restricted owing to certain peculiar
tiles, notable among which is its greasy
feel, which makes it unpleasant to the
touch and unavailable for the finer grades
Of tableware. Also it is dull to the eye
characteristic which, like the greasy
feel, is due to the presence of very thin
coating OF oxide aluminum-that is to say.
Of aluminium rust. This peculiar rust is
transparent, but that it has substance
may, be discovered by wiping piece OF
the metal with a clean white cloth. when
some Of it will come off,
The oxide is nuisance not only in
this way, but also because, being non
conductor of electricity, it interferes with
SAOCIA OpAoIAA5. hCCSuLly, however, means
have been found for getting over this diff
ficulty, one of the methods adopted being
to apply mercury. which combines with
the rust to form an amalgam that will take
coat of silver or other metal. It il
thought likely by some that aluminium
plated with silver will enter into a great
variety Of uses before long, being very de-
sirable on account Of its lightness-
quality which has always been It's most
notable Recommendation. For opera
glasses, toilet implements and tableware
It may. in this FORM become popular.
Tracking the Elusive Lobster.
Several hundred Holsters have been
travelling about in Buzzard's bay and its
neighborhood recently with metal tags at
tached to their noses, this method being
adopted by the United States fish commits
sion for the purpose of finding out some
thing as to the methods Of migration
adopted by these crustaceans and also
as to the speed at which they make their
journeys. In the spring and early summer
large numbers Of egg bearing females, coll
lected from the shores Of Connecticut.