“Moths have all sorts of antennæ, or feelers, and we naturalists call them heterocera, which is made up of two Greek words, one meaning ‘all sorts,’ and the other (keras) a horn, as in the case of butterflies. So then we have these definitions: Moths are lepidoptera having all sorts of feelers, except those that are knob-shaped on the end, while butterflies are lepidoptera which have only feelers which end in knobs. Though in some tropical countries there are moths with feelers just like those of a butterfly. But I forgot I was not in the class room,” and Professor Snodgrass ended his little lecture.
“Go on, we like it!” exclaimed Ned, so while they were hunting for the rare specimen of the butterfly, Mr. Snodgrass told the boys more about the beautiful insects.
“I’ve a good notion to make a collection myself,” said Jerry.
“I wish you would,” returned the professor. “Though it is a little late to start this season. Begin with me next spring.”
“I will,” declared the tall lad.
They had to give up the unavailing search and return to Boxwood Hall, reaching there just in time for supper.
“Where have you fellows been?” demanded George Fitch. “Don’t you know this is the night you are to be initiated into the Bang-Ups?”
“Sure we know it!” said Bob.
“I thought you had skipped out—afraid of the ordeal,” said Tom Bacon.
“Nothing like that,” came from Jerry, as he told the boys where they had been.