76 INTRODUCTION. 



accomplished in a very short time. As if exhausted 

 by its efforts, the caterpillar continues for a while in 

 a 9tate of inactivity, till the moisture evaporate from 

 its skin, and the newly exposed parts become suffi- 

 ciently consolidated. The colours which, before 

 moulting, were pale and indistinct, soon become 

 bright and well defined, and are often distributed in 

 a manner different from those which adorned the 

 rejected coveting. Its strength and activity are soon 

 restored, and the renovated animal, 



Nunc positis novus exuviis, nitidusque juventa, 



returns to its wonted occupation with even greater 

 voracity than before. 



These changes take place at least three different 

 times before the caterpillar attains its full maturity ; 

 and in many instances, it is probable that there are 

 not fewer than five or six moults. After continuing 

 in their reptile form for a longer or shorter period, 

 according to the species, they prepare to enter upon 

 a new state of existence, distinguished by attributes 

 very dissimilar to those they previously possessed. 

 This important and singular metamorphosis, by 

 which a long cylindrical worm, possessing all the 

 necessary organs of motion and nutrition, and em- 

 ploying these with the utmost activity, is converted 

 into an inert mass, without external organs, and in- 

 capable of locomotion, or of receiving food, is pre- 

 ceded by some preparations similar to those that at- 

 tend a change of skin. As if foreseeing its ap- 



