HOME-GROWN SILKWORM-GUT 215 



away with their rapidly-moving jaws somewhat as 

 the barber's instrument " dehaired " our locks just 

 before the summer vacation, " to keep the boys 

 cool." After a full meal the caterpillar rests awhile, 

 digests its dinner, and then goes at it again. No 

 wonder they grow like pigs ! 



In a few days the caterpillar's size has so increased 

 that its skin is too small and must be exchanged for 

 a larger one; in fact, the larger one already is devel- 

 oping. The caterpillar then " moults " ; it refuses 

 all food and ceases to move about, remaining still as 

 if dead. If lightly touched, it jerks from side to side 

 to testify its displeasure at being disturbed. It 

 should be treated with great care as it is very easily 

 injured at this time. Do not touch it with the hands 

 at all if you can possibly help it; lift it, if necessary, 

 by the leaf or twig to which it clings. Indeed, at 

 all times handle your worm like Izaak Walton's 

 frog, " as though you loved him; " the tender skin 

 is easily torn, then infection may set in and death 

 follow. 



After a period of two or three days thus spent, 

 the caterpillar is ready to moult. The mask-like 

 headpiece may be seen hanging down in front of the 

 face; and the colors of the caterpillar are dingy and 

 dirty. Then the worm begins to wriggle; the old 

 skin splits near the head, and the caterpillar, bright 

 and fresh as though newly enameled, crawls out 

 like an emblem of the resurrection. Sometimes the 



