THE MILKWEED CATERPILLAR 137 



THE HOUSEBREAKING 



Twelve days after the caterpillar became a chrys- 

 alis, the chrysalis became a beautiful brown and 

 black butterfly with white markings the Monarch, 

 or Milkweed, butterfly. The change, at the end, was 

 very gradual. Two days before it occurred, the 

 chrysalis had become of a lighter green ; a day later, 

 the orange and black showed through the thin chrys- 

 alis shell ; then three shining points appeared on each 

 side, extending from the center toward the bottom. 

 In front the veinings of the wings were now visible, 

 then the limits of the wings were plainly marked off 

 on the sides. The margins of the wings broke 

 through a little. While we were out of the room it 

 came out, leaving its transparent chrysalis shell swing- 

 ing empty. This was a disappointment. But the last 

 chapter, it is hoped, will be recorded later. 



