which our Junior IN^aturalists could learn about them. She told me 

 that a course of lectures is to be given by the apple-tree tent-cater- 

 pillars. I can assure you that they are very competent to instruct 

 young naturalists. They give their story in a simple, unaffected 

 manner, and have a way of raising their heads as they proceed with 

 their discourse which is very impressive. 



I must not neglect to tell you that the lecturers are always accom- 

 modating. If you are unable to spend your time in the orchard, 

 they will cheerfully allow you to conduct them to the school-room, 

 where they will entertain you for several days. They always pro- 

 vide their own lodging and clothing, but will, of course, expect 

 board in return for their services. 



AVhen you undertake to provide these caterpillars with a daily 

 banquet of apple or wild-clierry leaves, you will find it no easy task. 

 They are very hungry creatures. For this reason the farmer is 



anxious to get i-id of them, and who 

 can blame him? Not I; even 

 though I appreciate how much they 

 can teach young people about insect 

 life. You see these greedy cater- 

 pillars are destroying the foliage of 

 tlie apple trees — the starch facto- 

 ries which you have learned are so important 

 to the welfare of the trees. I think that 3'0\i 

 and I will have to work hard to prevent them 

 from remaining in the orchards. 



Notice the silken thread which the caterpil- 

 lars spin as they wander away from their tents. 

 I have spoken of this for I think it is one of 

 the points in the lecture which is not always 

 clearly seen. When I have watched the small 

 creatures traveling long distances from their 

 home, I have wondered how thev found their 

 way back. Does it not seem as if this silken 

 thread were as good as a foot-path in pointing 

 out the way ? See if you can learn wdiere the silk comes from. 

 Many instructors in colleges and high schools provide the students 



613 



The eggs, laid in 

 masses. 



