118 THE EGGS 



terns that in looking at tliem we seem to be peer- 

 ins- throuofh the circular rose-window of a minia- 

 ture Gothic cathedral. Sometimes, in the tiarate 

 eoo's, this rosette is situated at the bottom of a 

 very deep and narrow well, and can with difficulty 

 be seen. Often their patterns would furnish use- 

 ful hints to the decorator, and especially for all 

 forms of embroidery. The cells which form the 

 interior of the rosette are the points at which 

 microscopic pores lead into the interior of the Q^g, 

 and through which it is fertilized. With this in 

 view, we can understand why this rosette should 

 form the goal of movement of every part of the 

 structure. 



When freshly laid, the eggs are generally of 

 some shade of pale green, though in the Pamphi- 

 lini, with their opaque shells, they are nearly 

 chalky white ; but during the development of the 

 caterpillar (or of parasites) within, all sorts of 

 colors may be assumed, often of a rich or almost 

 gaudy hue. 



The eggs of butterflies are always laid in full 

 view excepting that in a few instances they are 

 partially concealed by being thrust into crevices. 

 Usually hatching in a few days, they are generally 

 laid upon the very leaves the caterpillar will eat or 



