ERMINE MOTHS. 211 



among the branches of some tree, and composed of silken 

 threads, which are loosely crossed and recrossed in various 

 directions. From this citadel the caterpillars issue in vast 

 numbers, each individual spinning a strong silken thread as it 

 proceeds, which acts as a guide to the nest, just as the thread of 

 Ariadne led Theseus through the mazes of the Cretan labyrinth. 

 When once these caterpillars have taken possession of a tree, 

 they are sure to strip it of its leaves as completely as if the 

 breath of winter had laid them low. 



It is a very curious sight to watch the systematic manner in 

 which these troublesome insects set about their work ; how they 

 send out pioneers, which lead the way to new branches, either by 

 crawling up to them, or by lowering themselves to them by means 

 of their silken cordage ; and how the vanguard is soon followed 

 by a troop of ever-hungry companions. 



Though very conspicuous, especially when making their way 

 from bough to bough along their silken bridges, they are secure 

 from the attacks of sparrows or other small birds; for their 

 threads, traversing the branches in all directions, act as an 

 effectual barrier, by striking against the wings and terrifying 

 their aggressors. These threads are very elastic, and of marvel- 

 lous strength, considering their tenuity, producing most uncom- 

 fortable sensations when they come across the face. Thus these 

 destructive caterpillars are able to rob the orchards with com- 

 parative impunity, and the only way to prevent their damages 

 is to destroy their nests in early spring, before they have had 

 time to sally forth. 



The industry of the clothes-moth in weaving its little den of 

 refuge is no less remarkable. Having spun a thin coating of 

 silk round its body, it cuts filaments of wool or fur close to the 

 thread of the cloth, and applies the pieces to the outside of its 

 case, which covering it never leaves except in cases of urgent 

 necessity. When it wishes to feed it puts out its head at either 

 end of the case, as best suits its convenience. When inclined to 

 change its position, it protrudes its head and about half its body, 

 dragging its case by fixing its hind-legs firmly in it ; and when, 

 from its increase in size, the case becomes too small, it makes 

 an addition to it at each end. This operation can be readily 

 traced by transferring it from cloth of one colour to another, when 

 each addition will be conspicuous from the difference of colour. 



p 2 



