388 TENANTS OF AN OLD FARM. 



the Scotch sycamore. A few stamens and bits of twigs 

 assist the ornamentation. The case hangs to the mid- 

 rib, and the opening cut in the leaf, all around the 

 case-stalk, shows where the insect has been feeding." 



" What is the use of these patches and bars ?" asked 

 Abby. " Are they simply for ornament like the beads 

 and buttons that ladies sew upon their dresses ?" 



" I suspect that the caterpillar has not yet reached 

 the stage of development at which it is either troubled 

 or gladdened by the aesthetics of dressmaking. The 

 habit is probably protective. And yet one would think 

 that the extremely tough case which envelops it would 

 be quite sufficient armor against all assault of foes and 

 stress of weather, Nevertheless, this leafy coat of 

 mail, which, as you see, sometimes wholly covers the 

 sac, must greatly add to the protective value of the cov- 

 ering. The caterpillar has a soft, hairless body, and is 

 thus more exposed to attack than many others ; but 

 certainly Nature appears to have favored this creature 

 far above its fellows." 



"How does the worm manage to trim her coat in 

 this wise ?" asked the Mistress. 



" I have some drawings here that will enable me to 

 answer you. But it will be necessary first to explain 

 the manner of eating. The larva has perfect control of 

 its own movements, notwithstanding the fact that it 

 carries its house upon its back. It can tiirust its body 

 out of the sac -mouth until nearly the whole of it is 

 exposed, and twist and bend itself in all directions. 

 (Fig.l2±) 



