TAILORS 197 



caterpillar, and later breathes air ; but it makes 

 its suit of clothes of the minute fronds of duck- 

 weed (Lemna) that float on the surface of most 

 ponds. These are sewn together, as it were, by 

 silk threads to a silken lining. 



Much more generally known to those who have 

 paid no special attention to entomology are the 

 quaint little creatures known as Caddis Worms, 

 though they are not worms at all, but the cater- 

 pillars of hairy-winged, dull-looking Caddis Flies 

 (Trichoptera). Every one who has peered into the 

 waters of a running stream, or of a clear stagnant 

 pool, has seen these remarkable constructions moving 

 over the bottom ; and has felt a momentary interest, 

 at least, in the clever tailors who could fashion 

 such costumes for their protection. 



The pond is a dangerous place of residence for 

 any tender and juicy creature that is not gifted 

 with power of swift movement, or raptorial limbs or 

 jaws ; and the Caddis Worm has not been so 

 provided. There is a long cylindrical body with a 

 skin of the tenderest character, except the head 

 and three adjoining rings to which the legs are 

 attached ; these have horny coverings. So the 

 Caddis weaves himself a silken tube to which he 

 attaches, as he proceeds, bits of foreign substances 

 which convert the tube into a stronghold from 

 whose door the armour-clad head and legs can 

 protrude and haul the structure along. 



Caddis Worms are of many species, and according 

 to the traditions of his kind each Caddis selects 



