56 Life and Love. 



ground, or otherwise, according to its nature, pro- 

 vides for a season of external inaction. 



This inaction is only apparent, however; one 

 looks at the pupa and finds the legs gone, while 

 the jaws and other instruments for obtaining food 

 or working its way into hard substances have dis- 

 appeared. It is but a well-swathed mummy in 

 appearance. A living mummy it soon proves, how- 

 ever ; for though so quiet outside, within, the most 

 remarkable changes have been taking place. 



If it be a caterpillar, all the nutriment and 

 strength stored up by its much converting of food 

 into caterpillar is here made use of in transform- 

 ing the unwieldy larva into the graceful butter- 



fly- 



In time it shakes off its pupa case, and steps 

 forth resplendent ; winged, active, bright, and beau- 

 tiful, it flashes through the air. 



In this state it is called an Imago, concerning 

 which the " Century Dictionary " says : — 



" The name is due to the fact that such an insect, 

 having passed through its larval stages, and hav- 

 ing, as it were, cast off its mask or disguise, has 

 become a true representation or image of its 

 species." 



Having cast off its disguise ! Having lived suc- 

 cessively through state after state which bore no 

 resemblance to its final form, it entered into its 

 perfect self! 



Think of the metamorphoses of a butterfly ! 



