VARIOUS MODES OF SUSPENSION. 



209 



the arms. Probably the most supple-jointed gen- 

 tleman would find himself discomfited in the 

 attempt. The caterpillar in question, however, 

 does all this, and more; for it has to spin the ropes 

 with which it is to be suspended. Fixing its 

 hinder part, in the manner just described, to the 

 little button of silk, which it first forms, it then 

 spins the girth, in 

 which it intends to 

 trust its safety, by 

 the apparatus of 

 the mouth. Some- 

 times larvae tie themselves in an upright position, 

 as martyrs to a post ; but the most common 

 method is the horizontal one, 

 giving the insect the resem- 

 blance of a sailor swinging 

 in his hammock. 



We must ask attention, 

 before we close our chapter, 

 to one more account of the 

 proceedings of a larva; and 

 this too is in a common insect 

 perhaps the housewife 

 would say a little too common 



Perpendicular Suspension. 



