296 THE GOAT MOTH. 



that these (t auger worms" are the primary cause 

 of the decay of the tree ; having often observed 

 their perforations, and found them, both large and 

 small, in the solid spur or root of the tree, when 

 the upper portion, having been bored, and in a state 

 of decline, is abandoned by them. Those that are 

 full fed appear to form their cases in that part 

 which has lost coherency, while the younger and 

 imperfected creatures mine their way, and obtain 

 nutriment in the solid timber, thus killing the tree 

 by inches ; when rain and moisture find lodge- 

 ment, and complete the dissolution. One year's 

 preparation is the period usually assigned to the 

 larvas of most insects, before they arrive at their 

 perfect state ; but by the goat moth three years 

 are required before it attains its winged state from 

 the egg. Consequently, for the larger portion of 

 its life it is occupied in these destructive opera- 

 tions; and thus this creature becomes a very power- 

 ful agent in reducing these Titans of the vegetable 

 world, crumbling them away to their original dust : 

 for what was decreed to be the termination and 

 punishment of man is found in active operation 

 throughout the whole chain of Nature's works, 

 which are but dust, and unto dust return, conti- 

 nuing an endless series of production and decay, 

 of restoration and of change. All these larva? 

 which I have observed in the colder portions of 

 our year, were hard, stiff, and torpid, but soon 

 became relaxed and animated by the warmth of 

 the hand : thus they probably remain quiet during 



