Are these splendid plumes merely items of finery, or do they really play a part in the perception of the effluvia which guide the lover?
It seemed easy, on the occasion I spoke of, to devise a conclusive experiment.
On the morrow of the invasion I found in my study eight of my nocturnal visitors.

They were perched, motionless, upon the cross-mouldings of the second window, which had remained closed.

The others, having concluded their ballet by about ten o'clock at night, had left as they had entered, by the other window, which was left open night and day.

These eight persevering lovers were just what I required for my experiment.
With a sharp pair of scissors, and without otherwise touching the butterflies, I cut off their antennae near the base.

The victims barely noticed the operation.