■^6 ]^ t A T E XLVI. 



London it has been fought with mod fuccefs in the Batterfea Fields, 

 or on thofe banks which abound with aquatic plants, between Batterfea 

 and Richmond J the marfhes in the vicinity of Deptford and Rother- 

 hithe have been yet more produ6live ; we do not i owever underftand 

 that any have been taken this feafon about the metropolis. 



The very fingular manner in which this Caterpillar conftruils its 

 web, deferves particular notice : previous to its transformation from 

 the Larva to the Aiirella^ it quits the tender plants Vv'hlch afford nou- 

 rifhment, and retires to thofe, better calculated for its prote61;ion, in 

 its defencelefs ftate; its choice is generally the Scirpus Lacuftris 

 [Bull Rujh)f or the floutePc plant that is near, if its leaves are rufhy 

 and flrong. Its firft procefs is to make a deep incifion acrofs the leaf, 

 which it effe61:s v/ith little labour, as its mouth is well armed for the 

 purpofe ; the upper part of the leaf being thus deprived of its fupport, 

 inftantly becomes dependent ; the Caterpillar embraces the two fur- 

 faces of the fractured leaf, and weaves its web between. The web is 

 of an exquifite texture and whitenefs, and bears great refemblance te 

 the websof fome fpiders that frequent watery places. 



The Caterpillars are found in Jun.e and July, the Fly in Auguft, 



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