It proved however to be a variety of Ornithoptera remus, one of the rarest and most remarkable species of this highly esteemed group.

I also obtained several other new and pretty butterflies.

When we arrived at our lodging-house, being particularly anxious about my insect treasures, I suspended the box from a bamboo on which I could detect no sign of ants, and then began skinning some of my birds.

During my work I often glanced at my precious box to see that no intruders had arrived, until after a longer spell of work than usual I looked again, and saw to my horror that a column of small red ants were descending the string and entering the box.

They were already busy at work at the bodies of my treasures, and another half-hour would have seen my whole day's collection destroyed.