THE SILK-WORM. 199 



and has considerable strength, if we consider 

 its small diameter. 



All the Caterpillars of the Phaloina, or 

 Silk- Worm, after having several times cast 

 their skin, spin for themselves the materials 

 of a habitation, in which they are to be 

 transformed into chrysalids. Of all the in- 

 ventions of insects to protect themselves 

 during this state of imbecility, that prac- 

 tised by the Silk- Worm is most universally 

 known; and if animals acquire a conse- 

 quence of reputation from their connection 

 with men, and the conveniences with which 

 they accommodate him, this inseet may 

 challenge, perhaps, a larger share of it than 

 any other animal whatever. Our luxury has 

 brought silk into such general request, that 

 it may now be deemed a necessary of life ; 

 the poor, in some countries at least, would 

 find it almost impossible to procure the ne- 

 cessary articles of clothing, were woollen 

 stuffs worn by all those who at present are 

 supplied with silk. 



Dr. Durham informs us, that a lady of 

 his acquaintance, who took much pleasure 

 in keeping Silk-Worms, had once the curi- 



