9 XiV. COCOONS 



Material. Cocoons, especially those of the Cecropia, Polyphemus, 

 and Promethea moths. Cut one open, and place it where all the class can 

 examine it. Look for cocoons on shrubs, under the bark of trees, and in 

 protected places on fences and houses. 



Observation. - - To what is the cocoon that you are 

 studying fastened ? What is its size ? What is its 

 shape ? What is its color ? Is it firm or soft ? Are 

 its threads tightly or loosely woven ? Was there any- 

 thing besides silk used in making the cocoon ? 



Examine a cocoon that has been cut open. How 

 thick are its sides ? In how many layers are its 

 sides made ? How does the inner surface of the 

 cocoon feel to the touch ? 



In the cocoon that was cut open, what is the size 

 of the pupa ? What is its color ? What is its shape ? 

 How can you tell the head of its body from the 

 tail ? 



Drawing. Draw a picture of the cocoon. If 

 there are any fluffy threads on the cocoon, draw them 

 with a sharp pencil in light lines. 



Composition. --Write a description of the cocoon. 

 Make the paragraphs on the subjects called forth by 

 the observation questions. 



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