876 IGNORANCE OF THE WAYS OF INSECTS. 



due time is to be raised up, constituting a stalk or 

 blade, bearing with it by gentle steps these eggs, 

 to be vivified by the summer's air and warmth. 

 Others fix them on some portion of an herb hidden 

 beneath the mud in the pool ; and this being ele- 

 vated by the warmth of spring, conveys them with 

 its growth above the element that protected them ; 

 and they hatch, the infants feeding on the substance 

 that has borne them to the air. In their chrysalis 

 state, a cradle of preparation for a final change, the 

 same wisdom and care are more particularly obvious 

 from their size and frequent occurrence ; but to 

 enlarge sufficiently upon the contrivances and ma- 

 nifestations of regard brought to our observance 

 in all the stages of an insect's life, would almost 

 require a detail of the race. 



A particularly curious covering for a moth, or 

 butterfly, (plialcena pavonia?}, fell into my hands, 

 which might be well known to a more experienced 

 entomologist, but was new to me. The species I 

 do not know, as it never arrived at perfection. 

 This case was formed of the fine silky substance 

 that wraps up so many of the race. The summit, 

 for some cause, was less closed than usual ; but to 

 obviate any injury to the creature from this cir- 

 cumstance, a conical hood of similar materials was 

 placed over the exposed part of the aurelia, through 

 which it received air in perfect security. This veil 

 being formed of elastic threads, and opening upon 

 pressure, would constitute no impediment to the 

 escape of the fly when perfected. A (Plate 5, 



