which our Junior NaturaUsts 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. 



"When you undertake to provide these caterpillars with a daily 

 banquet of apple or wild-cherry leaves, you will lind it no easy task. 

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



anxious to get rid 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 

 the apple trees — the starch facto- 

 ries which you have learned are so important 

 to the welfare of the trees. I think that you 

 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 they 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 where the silk comes from. 

 Many instructors in colleges and high schools provide the students 



612 



Tlie e(j(jii, laid in 

 masses. 



