74 



NATURE-STUDY LESSONS. 



F. Cocoons. 



54. Capture larvcie ; put them in a breeding-cage and 

 feed them with the leaves of tlie plant on which they 

 were found until they pupate, or spin up into cocoons. 



The envelope spun by the larva and in which it is enclosed in the 

 chrysalis state is a cot'ooft. 



55. Keep the cocoons and observe them until the 

 transformations are completed, then dissect the empty 

 case. 



G. The Breeding-Cage. 



Procure an ordinary store-box, a hat-box answers very 

 well. Provide a lid made from a frame large enough to 

 fit the box, and stretch gauze over the opening in the 

 frame. Set jars or bottles with the food-plant in the 

 box, stuffing something around the neck of the jar to 

 prevent the larva; accidentally falling into the water. 



XX. -THE CECROPIA EMPEROR MOTH. 



The larva of this moth is a general feeder. The apple-tree is a 

 favorite with it, but it is also found feeding on various other fruit and 

 shade trees. 



I. Collect a number of larvae, place them in the breed- 

 ing-cage and feed them until they spin an envelope in 

 which they are enclosed. 



