The Life of the Caterpillar 



mouth. Before the day is over, the original 

 elegant mitre will be reconstructed entirely. 



This alternation can be repeated as often 

 as we please. Indeed, by shortening each 

 period of work, we can easily obtain, with the 

 two sorts of material, composite products, 

 showing alternate light and dark belts. 



The Psyche, as you see, in no way follows 

 the methods of our tailors, with their piece 

 taken out and another piece let in. In order 

 to have a coat always to his size, he never 

 ceases working at it. The particles collected 

 are constantly being fixed just at the edge of 

 the sack, so that the new drapery increases 

 progressively in dimensions, keeping pace 

 with the caterpillar's growth. At the same 

 time the old stuff recedes, is driven back to- 

 wards the tip of the cone. Here, through its 

 own springiness, it contracts and closes the 

 muff. Any surplus matter disintegrates, falls 

 into shreds and gradually disappears as the 

 insect roams about and knocks against the 

 things which it meets. The case, new at the 

 front and old at the back, is never too tight 

 because it is always being renewed. 



After the very hot period of the year, there 

 comes a moment when light wraps are no 

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