218 THE LIFE OF AN INSECT. 



new one of pupa. In addition to this, it is, per- 

 haps, one of the most astonishing instances of 

 animal agility with which we are acquainted. 



In order to make its manoeuvres and the diffi- 

 culty of them the more easily comprehended, let 

 us (to follow Messrs. Kirby and Spence in the 

 same matter) put a case of a somewhat similar 

 kind before the readers by way of supposition. 

 Country fellows at wakes and fairs frequently 

 for the diversion of the company there assembled, 

 or for a prize of some value in their estimation, 

 perhaps a fat pig, or a leg of mutton run races 

 in sacks which are tied close about their necks, 

 and of course tumble about a good deal, and dis- 

 play anything but a graceful mode of progression, 

 " Now," say these authors, " take one of the 

 most active and adroit of these, bind him hand 

 and foot, suspend him by the bottom of his sack, 

 with his head downwards, to the branch of a lofty 

 tree ; make an opening in one side of the sack, 

 and set him to extricate himself from it, to detach 

 it from its hold, and suspend himself by his feet 

 in its place. Though endowed with the suppleness 

 of an Indian juggler, and promised his sack full of 

 gold for a reward, you would set him an absolute 



