CARVING OF IXSECT EGGS. 253 



shaped, after the unvarying type laid down by Mother Partlet, 

 a diversity always, no doubt, assignable to some kind of 

 adaptation to the exceedingly varied forms of insect life. 



There is a curious resemblance both in shape and workings 

 betwixt certain insect eggs and the pretty crustaceous shells 

 called Echince* Those of the Angleshades moth and of the 

 red underwing have been adduced as instances. That of the 

 meadow brown butterfly is crowned at the upper end with 

 sculptured work in the form of tiles or slates, as if to defend 

 it from injury ; while others, as those of the brimstone moth, 

 are covered with a sort of network of six-sided meshes, f 

 The yellow eggs of the large garden white butterfly, found in 

 patches on the leaves of the cabbage, are ribbed and flask- 

 shaped, while those of the lacquey moth, noticed long ago as 

 encircling, bracelet-like, the branches of the hawthorn, are of 

 a singular key-stone shape, adapted to their dove-tailed con- 

 junction. The above slight description of a few only amidst 

 their numerous varieties, may prove sufficiently that insect 

 eggs, in their diversified shapings, mouldings, and markings, 

 are objects not unworthy to compose a microscopic cabinet, 

 for which purpose they should be deprived by heat of their 

 vital principle. And now, while uncloaking winter helps to 

 betray their places of deposit, be they never so cunningly se- 

 lected, is the time, forthwith, to set about collecting them. 



Viewed with reference to their quick formation, minute 



* See Vignette. t ' Insect Transformations.' 



VOL. II?. 16. 



