6o 



THE BROOK BOOK 



unsuspecting "wriggler" that feels the close em- 

 brace of these sharp claws! 



The main occupation of a nymph is eating (or 

 being eaten!) , and growing. Its only protection from 

 enemies is the suit of leathery armor covering its 

 body. If this skin were elastic and accommodated 

 itself to the increasing size of the occupant, no 

 change would be necessary. But it is inelastic, and 

 must be shed at intervals. This is a process all im- 

 mature insects must undergo, some molting as many 

 as twenty times. The dragon-fly contents itself with 



CAST-OFF CLOTHES 



