43 



The Moths and Butterflies 



cocoon, composed of a single continuous silken thread averaging over 1000 feet 

 long, is completed. Inside this cocoon the larva pupates, and if undisturbed 

 the chrysalid gives up its damp and crumpled moth after from twelve to fourteen 



days or longer. A fluid secreted by the moth softens one end of the cocoon 

 so that the delicate creature can force its way out. But this is not the usual 

 fate of a silkworm pupa. The professional grower must save the cocoon 



