OTAGRICULTURE. 87 



detached, thus being guarded against accidental falls 

 during high winds, that might otherwise destroy 

 them. When ready to change, a thread is spun 

 from the tail, and often forming a rough sort of 

 cob-web, the insect spins a semi-transparent ovid 

 cocoon, from which emerges a beautiful bright-green 

 fly, with two brilliant eyes, which sparkle like gold, 

 and four transparent wings, of a genial cast, delicately 

 veined, and netted with nerves, resembling the most 

 beautiful lace work ; and hence the common name. 

 This splendid insect, however, emits a most nauseous 

 and fetid smell, when held in the hand. 



C II A P T E E XII. 



PLANTING, CULTIVATING, AND GATHERING THE COTTON 

 CROP. 



There must ever be some diversity of practice in 

 the details of all agricultural operations. The char- 

 acter and situation of the land, the nature of the soil, 

 the variations of the seasons, will influence these 

 more or less. The following details, therefore, are 

 only intended as general directions, under the most 

 usual combination of circumstances. 



KIND OF SOIL. 



The first inquiry which presents itself is to know 

 whdt are the peculiarities of those soils which suit 

 the growth and maturity of cotton. Experience is 

 the safest and most reliable test in the settlement of 



