88 ARCHITECTURE OF MOTHS. 



manner. In this way four separate pieces are inserted. 

 As the colour of their covering always depends upon 

 the colour of the stuff from which it is taken, it not un- 

 frequently happens, that when the animal has made its 

 first envelope of blue, it may afterwards make its way 

 into a red stuff, and, consequently, the additions will 

 be of that colour, giving the creature the appearance 

 of a little harlequin. 



The injury sustained by mankind from these minute 

 depredators, does not proceed from the quantity which 

 they consume as food and clothing alone ; for, as 

 they proceed along the surface of fur or woollen stuff, 

 the long hairs impede their progress, and, being 

 possessed of natural instruments whereby they are 

 enabled to cut a passage for themselves, they smooth 

 the surface of every obstacle in their route. 



Those who wish to investigate the singular pheno- 

 mena presented by these minute beings, have only 

 to leave an old coat, or other piece of dress, in any 

 dark or damp situation, and it will soon become the 

 retreat of the Tinea, and afford ample opportunities 

 for studying their habits. 





