CH. XVII. J CHRYSALIS. 291 



in the mode represented in the annexed figures. On 

 one side of a stalk or leaf, it glues some of the viscid 



matter secreted by its spinner; it then gradually 

 brings its head into a position which enables it to 

 pass the silken cord from a to b where it is sup- 

 ported by one of its legs ; introducing the two other 

 legs of that side under the rest; the insect then 

 carries it from b to c : it is then continued from c to 

 d, which completes the loop, or half circle. When 

 a sufficient number of threads has been thus passed 

 from a to d, the loop has acquired a requisite strength : 

 — the insect then holds it up with its two fore legs : 

 bending its head between these legs, it passes the 

 loop over its back ; and by the action of the rings, 

 it gradually brings it to that part of the body which 

 is best calculated to balance the chrysalis. 



In spite, however, of all the care which the insect 

 takes to sustain the loop, it occasionally happens 

 that the threads slip off its legs and fall. This is a 

 woful calamity to the unhappy caterpillar. It does 

 its best to repair the damage ; with marvellous pa- 

 tience it endeavours to collect the scattered fila- 

 ments, and secure them once more between its legs. 

 One unlucky insect was seen by Reaumur, trying 

 every contortion of limb to effect this purpose, but 

 all in vain. After all its exertion, it only succeeded 

 in gathering about half the number of threads which 

 had formed the cord, the rest having become hope- 

 lessly entangled ; and being either unwilling or un- 

 able to spin an additional supply, it suspended itself 

 by this imperfect girdle. As it might have been an- 



