MODE OF FORMING THE LEAF-TUBE. 33 



tree, or, in other words, the green leaves, that 

 she selects for this purpose. The insect alights 

 upon what she considers to be a suitable leaf, and 

 begins with her sharp jaws to cut out a piece of a 

 crescent form from its edge. When she has cut, 

 perhaps, half-way round, or rather more, she sets 

 her wings in motion, so as to keep her balanced in 

 the air, lest she should drag away the half-cut 

 piece before it was properly divided 

 from the leaf. When cut, she places 

 it in a perpendicular position be- 

 tween her legs, and flies away with 

 it to her cell. She then simply 

 folds it into a proper form, and 

 overlays the cell walls with this leafy covering, 

 not using any cement to make it retain its form, 

 but relying upon the natural elasticity of the leaf 

 to keep it close pressed against the wall in the 

 manner in which she places it. Repeating this 

 process several times, she finally completes each 

 cell with exquisite art and care, and taking the 

 precaution of arranging all her joints and seams so 

 that they shall not present themselves in the same 

 place, but covering them over with pieces of leaf, 

 so as to strengthen them, and in many other 



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