LARGE CABBAGE BUTTERFLY. 193 
loss of time. From their own internal stores, they 
can let down a rope, and prolong it indefinitely, 
which will enable them to travel where they please. 
Shake the branches of an oak, or other tree, in 
summer, and its inhabitants of this description, 
whether they are reposing, moving, or feeding, will 
immediately cast themselves from the leaves on 
which they are stationed ; and, however sudden 
the attack, they are nevertheless provided for it, 
and will all descend by means of the silken cord 
alluded to, and hang suspended in the air. Their 
name, Geometer, was given them because they 
seem to measure the surface they pass over, as they 
walk with a chain. If one is placed on the hand, 
it will be felt to draw a threadas it moves. When 
they move, their head is extended as far as they 
can reach with it; then, fastening their thread 
there, and bringing up the rest of their body, they 
take another step, never moving without leaving 
the clue behind them, the object of which, however, 
is neither to measure nor to mark its path that it 
may find it again, but thus, whenever the cater- 
pillar falls, or would descend from a leaf, it has a 
cord always ready to support it in the air, by 
lengthening which, it can with ease reach the 
ground. Thus it ean drop itself without danger 
from the summit of the most lofty trees, and ascend 
again hy the same method. As the silky matter 
is fluid when it issues from the spinners, it should 
