THE EGGS OF INSECTS. 49 



leaf, thus producing a suitable recess, in which 

 the eggs are placed with comparative security, both 

 as regards the accident of weather and the attacks 

 of other insects. 



This little insect is, however, by far surpassed in 

 the skill displayed in her maternal cares by some 

 kinds of Butterflies, which may be said to build a 

 positive nest for their eggs, precisely similar to that 

 constructed by birds, except that it is not used for 

 the purpose of incubation, the eggs being abandoned 

 so soon as properly protected in the manner which 

 instinct has suggested to the parent. The interior 

 of this nest is formed by several layers of soft down, 

 which the female plucks from her own body, and 

 upon this delicate couch the eggs are deposited, and 

 then protected by an elegant covering of the same 

 material, often arranged with very curious intricacy. 

 In some cases this covering is disposed in such a 

 manner that each silken hair remains erect, tbe 

 nest thus enclosed having the appearance of a small 

 patch of the softest and most downy fur. Some- 

 times, when the eggs are laid spirally round a 

 branch, this kind of covering naturally follows their 

 course, and it then produces a very beautiful ap- 

 pearance, which it would sorely puzzle a tyro in 

 entomology to account for, as it often assumes the 



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