LIFE IN THE INSECT WORLD. 65 



gluten, and the little nest is then neatly lined 

 with fine silk. 



Rem&. I had no idea caterpillars had so 

 much contrivance. How I should like to see 

 them making these nests ! 



ftunt M. It is very difficult to get a good 

 view of them, as they work so far under ground, 

 unless you take the plan of a French naturalist, 

 named Reaumur ; who, after permitting the ca- 

 terpillar to construct a part of its nest, dug it up 

 and placed it in a box. We should have sup- 

 posed, that being thus disturbed and exposed to 

 the light, it would have stopped work ; but in- 

 sects feel so strongly the necessity of providing 

 for the great change, that they cannot easily be 

 prevented from carrying on their operations. 

 Accordingly, as soon as the poor caterpillar was 

 safely lodged in the naturalist's box, it drew it- 

 self out of its unfinished nest, and began to look 

 around for building materials. A little earth 

 was then placed within its reach, from which 

 it soon selected a piece suited to its purpose, 

 which it fitted into the wall, and secured with 

 silk ; it then picked out another, which it fitted 

 in the same manner, choosing the larger and 



