GNATS. 147 



which they seize upon minute animalcula and bits 

 of grass, on which they feed. After this change 

 they turn into chrysalides, and are rolled up in a 

 spiral form ; and now they do not feed at all, but 

 lie on the water, and on the least disturbance, un- 

 rol themselves, and plunge to the bottom by means 

 of small paddles, with which they are provided. 

 From this state they become proper gnats, and 

 leave the water. The head of the gnat is orna- 

 mented with a beautiful tuft of feathers, and its 

 whole body covered with fine hair and scales : 

 these are very surprising changes, and cannot fail 

 to impress us with admiration of the extreme care 

 taken for the preservation and production of such 

 minute animals. 



"What name is given to the changes which insects un- 

 dergo ? 



Mention the order of these changes. 



What may be found on cabbage leaves ? 



What comes from these eggs ? 



Describe the changes the caterpillar goes through. 



What creature does it become, and how does it differ from 

 the caterpillar ? 



In what situation does the gnat lay her eggs ? 



How does she guard them from being destroyed ? 



What becomes of these eggs 1 



Mention the changes they pass through before becoming 

 gnats. 



