190 LARGE CABBAGE BUTTERFLY. 



part of the back that corresponds with the six perfect 

 legs, till these legs become higher than the head, 

 with one of the last pair it catches the thread, from 

 this the other receives it, and so a step is gained ; 

 and thus it proceeds till it has ascended to the point 

 where it wishes to reach. At this time, if taken, it 

 will be found to have a packet of thread, from which, 

 however, it soon disengages itself, between the two 

 last pair of perfect legs.* To see hundreds of these 

 little animals pendent at the same time from the 

 boughs of a tree, suspended at different heights, some 

 working their way downwards and some upwards, 

 affords a very amusing spectacle. Sometimes, when 

 the wind is high, they are blown to the distance of 

 several yards from the tree, and yet maintain their 

 threads unbroken, f 



* REAUMUR, ii. p. 375. 



f KIKBY and SPENCE, ii. p. 294. 



