THE GREAT WHITE BUTTERFLY. 147 



termed, are as different from those of the future 

 tree as is the form of the Caterpillar, as it first 

 issues from the egg, to that of the perfect insect. 

 In the plant, the leaves precede the flower, which 

 is a higher form of development, just as the Cater- 

 pillar form precedes the more perfect or blossom- 

 form of the insect. Then, it is that final, complete, 

 or blossom-form which, both in the plant and the 

 insect, is alone destined to reproduce the germ or 

 egg from which another plant or insect will in its 

 turn he developed ; and it may he asserted that 

 similar, if not such clearly defined, analogies are 

 traceable in every kind of organized existence. 



There is not a more genial and pleasing sign of 

 opening summer than the first appearance of the 

 Great White Butterfly. The delicate flakes of 

 creamy white that form the wings of this beautiful 

 insect are evidently unfit to contend with the rude 

 Avinds and storms of winter ; they are those of a 

 creature of early summer, and we hail their appear- 

 ance as an assurance that its bright and balmy days 

 have at last commenced. 



The new visitant is even more attractive than 

 the early flowers, and the urchin cowslip-gatherer 

 lays down his half-completed nosegay to pursue 

 and capture the newer attraction. In its seem- 



