of a letter (dated 29 Sept. 1892) from [Miss] E[va] T[homas] on her experiments in butterfly taming.
They had a great many butterflies in their garden this year, chiefly Red Admirals and Painted Ladies. She notes that the Admirals and Painted Ladies were very fearless and they determined to tame them. The butterflies were very fond of single dahlias in the garden and that when settled on these they would allow people to come very close to them and on occasions would even settle on their hands, but would not stay until they hit upon the idea of putting sugar on their fingers. Admirals became very tame, coming every morning and would settle on their faces, dresses or hands.