THE EEASON WHY. 329 



* They shall cut down her forest, saith the Lord, though it cannot be searched ; 



because they are more than the grasshoppers, and are innumerable." 



JEREMIAH XLVI. 



CHAPTER LXVI. 



1292. Why does the caterpillar become torpid when 

 passing into the state of the chrysalis ? 



Because in all probability, where the difference between the first 

 and the ultimate form is considerable, the organs of the insect 

 haring to undergo great changes, it would suffer considerable pain. 

 Torpor comes upon the insect, it is thrown into a state similar to 

 that of a person who has inhaled chloroform and after what has, 

 in all probability, proved a pleasant dream, the insect awakes to 

 find itself changed and beautified. 



1293. Why are the pupcs of grasshoppers and other 

 insects, when about to undergo transformation, still active 

 and sensitive ? 



Because, as there is but a slight difference between the form 

 which they have in the pupa state, and that which they ultimately 

 assume, they do not require the state of torpidity to save them from 

 pain, nor to arrest their movements while their organs are being 

 changed. With them the outer slcin is thrown off, and they are 

 then perfect insects. 



1294. Why do caterpillars, when about to pass through the 

 chrysalis state, attach themselves to the leaves of plants, 8fc. ? 



Because they know instinctively that for a time they will be 

 unable to controul their own movements, and to avoid danger. 

 They therefore choose secure and dry places, underneath leaves, or 

 in the crevices of old and dry walls, and there they firmly attach 

 themselves, to await the time of their liberation. 



1295. Why do insects attach their eggs, to leaves fyc. ? 



Because, as the eggs have to be preserved during the winter, the 

 insect attaches them to some surface which will be a protection to 

 them. Generally speaking, the eggs are attached to the permanent 

 stems of plants, and not to those leafy portions which are liable to 

 fall and decay. The spider weaves a silken bag in which it deposits 

 its eggs, and then it hangs the bag in a sheltered situation. Naturg 



