Bramble-bees and Others 



wrapper. The most minute attention is neces- 

 sary to show that appearances are deceptive 

 and that actually a fine membrane is thrown 

 off from front to back. This infinitesimal 

 shred is the shell of the egg. 



The grub is born. Fixed by its base, it 

 curves into an arc and bends its head, until 

 now held erect, down to the red mass. The 

 meal begins. Soon a yellow cord occupying 

 the front two-thirds of the body proclaims 

 that the digestive apparatus is swelling out 

 with food. For a fortnight, consume your 

 provender in peace, my child; then spin your 

 cocoon: you are now safe from the Tachina. 

 Shall you be safe from the Anthrax' sucker 

 later on ? Alack 1 



88 



