174 



of the leaves which we opened. Some species 

 cut out a long triangular portion from the edge 

 of the leaf, arid form it into a conical roll, like 

 a paper of comfits : in one spot, however, they 

 let it remain attached to the leaf, by way of a 

 base; and th$n, by fastening little cords to the 

 point of the cone, it is actually pulled upright on 

 the remainder of the leaf, where it stands like a 

 tent. But there are other tinese which shew 

 still more dexterity in constructing their habi- 

 tations. Some of them we found on the under 

 sides of the leaves of the rose-tree, apple, elm,, 

 and oak ; and Mary made me observe how 

 nicely they form an oblong cavity in the interior 

 of the leaf, by eating the pulpy substance be- 

 tween the two membranes composing its upper 

 and under sides. The detached pieces are then 

 joined with silk, so as to make a case or horn, 

 which is cylindrical in the middle, with an orifice 

 at each end, the one being circular and the 

 other triangular ; and the seam is so artfully made, 

 as to be scarcely perceptible even with a glass. 

 Were this case all circular, it would be more 

 simple, but the different shape of the two ends 

 renders it necessary that each side should be 

 cut into a different curve. 



But I. should fill my whole journal, were I 

 to tell you all the beautiful contrivances of these 

 insects, and the instinct, or, I might say, the 

 reason which appears in all their contrivances. 



