210 PTILOTA. 



we find the representations of them fancifully converted into 

 the singular profile of the human face, the dorsal promi- 

 nence forming the nose ! Amongst the conical chrysalides, 

 there are also various differences to be observed : I shall, 

 however, only notice those offered by the sphinx family, in 

 which the tongue, which in the perfect state is exceedingly 

 long, is inclosed in a thickened cylindric proboscis, which 

 stands off from the breast, and within which the tongue is 

 curled up; whilst, in the genus Calophasia (Stephens), a 

 provision of a different kind is made for the unusual length 

 of the organ, by the tongue-case being reciu-ved upon the 

 breast, in which respect it approaches the shark-moths, 

 (CucuUics). 



The fanciful notions entertained by the old naturalists, 

 that insects in then- progress to the perfect state underwent 

 a series of real metamorphoses, has in later times been suc- 

 ceeded by an equally incorrect idea (the imago being, in fact, 

 the adult state of the creature), that the bursting forth of the 

 butterfly may serve as an illustration fitting to convey a token 

 of one of the profoundest mysteries of our Holy Religion. 



" Oh, start not ! on thy closing eyes 



Another day shall still unfold ; 

 A sun of milder radiance rise ; 



A happier age of joys unfold. 

 Shall the poor worm that shocks thy sight, 



The humblest form in nature's train, 

 Thus rise in new-born lustre bright. 



And yet the emblem teach in vain ? " 



The idea is highly poetical, but the simile is not correct 

 when the changes undergone by " the poor worm " have 

 had aU of the marvellous stripped from them by the assist- 

 ance of direct observation ; and yet these changes are not, 

 on that account, the less wonderful. To them, indeed, may 

 Avell be applied the celebrated words of the poet — " Truth is 

 stranger than fiction." 



