Transactions. 65 



caterpillar state represents a state of preparation for some- 

 thing better, something purer, brighter, and more joyous. 

 When yve look at the sluggish-looking, leaf-eating caterpillar, 

 and compare it with what it will be, after it has completed 

 the great change of transformation, we feel an involuntary 

 emotion of wonder, so striking is the contrast. And lastly, 

 when the creatures feel themselves ready for the great change, 

 they break the skin of the chiysalis, which covers the head 

 and thorax, and emerge feeble and languid, with the wings 

 all crumpled up in small bundles. Soon, however, the 

 creature acquires strength, fluids circulate through the nerves 

 of the wings, which gradually vmfold ; the creature shakes 

 and quivers them, as it feels its growing strength. At length, 

 in the perfection of beauty, it leaves the pupa case behind, 

 soars aloft, seeks out the flowers of the field, and begins a 

 more glorious existence. 



