90 



THE LIFE OF A MOTH 



If one manifestation of nature *s ways can be more 

 marvellous than another the chief distinction must 

 be given to the transformations of the insect world. 

 The beautiful Promethea Moth emerging from a grey 

 silken cocoon that has been lying inert on the desk for 

 weeks cannot fail to appeal to the spirit of wonder* 

 A ripping, cutting sound is the first indication of 

 awakening life, as the knives with which the shoulders 

 of the coming insect are armed are used to make a 

 passage through the hard, tough covering. Soon 

 the head, with its feathery antennae, comes forth, 

 and the queer, misshapen, elongated insect vigorously 

 extricates itself from its shelL It misses the Lilac 

 bush, where, in its previous incarnation, it went to 

 sleep last falL It runs eagerly about hunting for some 

 point of suspension, for without the aid of gravitation 

 those bulbs on its shoulders would never develop into 

 perfect wings. A book leaning against a shelf affords 

 the needed perch, and there the process of transforma- 

 tion goes on with strange celerity. The attenuated 

 body begins to enlarge and shorten and to take on its 

 normal texture and rich colours. One joint after 

 another from the thorax rounds out into shape* 



