296 THE GOAT MOTH 



the mouth, and discharged to soften the wood in 

 which they burrow. But it seems inconsistent with 

 any probability, that this creature, which is fur- 

 nished with such very powerful mandibles^ should 

 be gifted with an auxiliary aid to accomplish its 

 object ; while of the many insects that perforate 

 timber, most of them with inferior means, no other 

 possesses an equivalent agent to facilitate its la- 

 bours ; for not one of them, as far as we know, is so 

 supplied. Besides, if such were the purpose, the 

 discharge would be made only when required, and 

 thus this unpleasant odour not always perceptible. 

 The microscope too does not manifest the exudation 

 of any fluid. The larva is furnished with eight 

 curious retractile processes on its under side, in the 

 manner of what entomologists call the " prolegs." 

 These are encircled with little hooks, made use of 

 probably to remove the fragments of the wood, 

 when broken off by the mandibles above, and clear 

 the passages. The strength of these jaws is so great, 

 that they will very soon destroy any common chip 

 box in which the animal may be placed, by abrading 

 the edges, to effect its escape. With us they chiefly 

 inhabit the ash; and we very commonly see at the 

 roots of our aged trees the fragments removed by 

 them in forming their passages. In breaking up the 

 decayed pollards, we not unusually find the grub in 

 all the stages of its growth ; but more generally ob- 

 serve them without inhabitants, yet perforated with 



