THE SILKWORM MOTH. 147 



causes the worm gi-adually to contract in bulk ; it 

 becomes shrivelled, and the wings of its body ap- 

 proach nearer to each other, and their articulations 

 become more distinctly marked. When the cocoon 

 is completed, the larva rests from its toil, then 

 throws off its caterpillar garb, and changes into the 

 chrysalis state, in which condition it is somewhat 

 like a kidney bean, having a smooth browTi skin. 

 The followmg is a figure of the chrysalis : 



The Silkworm remains in its pupa state for 

 periods depending on the climate or temperature 

 wherein it is placed, varying from fifteen to thirty 

 days ; it then throws off its shroud, and appears 

 in the perfect, or imago state. The moth enjoys 

 its liberty but for a veiy short space of time. Its 

 first object is to seek its mate, after which the 

 female deposits her eggs, and both male and female 

 die in a few days thereafter. 



It is certainly curious to reflect, how this animal 

 should enjoy so short an existence in its perfect 

 condition ; for by far the longest period of its life 

 is in its caterpillar state. A complete suspension 

 of its animal faculties takes place when it changes 

 to a chrysalis; and when it emerges from this state, 

 the whole business of its life is the continuation of 

 its species. It does not even enjoy the gi-ateful 

 pleasure of food. 



