ATTACKING THE LEAVES. 



53 



Fig. 48. 



from three to four hundred ; they are white, about one-twenty- 

 fifth of an inch long, and one-fortieth wide, rounded at the 

 base, gradually enlarg- 

 ing towards the apex, 

 where they are mar- 

 gined by a prominent 

 rim, and have a sunken 

 spot in the centre. The 

 eggs are deposited in 

 circles, and with each 

 one is secreted a small 

 quantity of gummy 

 matter, which firmly 

 fastens it to the twig and also to the adjoining ^gg, and upon 

 becoming dry forms a coating of brown varnish over the pale 

 ^gg. Like the tent-caterpillar, the young larvae become fully 

 formed in the eggs before winter, and remain within them in 

 a torpid condition until spring. 



The larvae in this instance also hatch about the time of the 

 bursting of tiie buds, and in the absence of food are endowed 

 with similar powers of endurance. It is said they have been 

 known to survive a fast of three weeks' duration. While 

 young, they spin a slight web or tent against the side of the 

 trunk or branches of the tree on which they are situated, but, 

 from its peculiar color or slight texture, it is seldom noticed. 

 In this early stage they often manifest strange processionary 

 habits, marching about in single or double column, one larva 

 so immediately following another that when thus crossing a 

 sidewalk or other smooth surface they appear at a little dis- 

 tance like black streaks or pieces of black cord stretched 

 across it. From the time they are half grown, until they 

 approach. maturity, they seem to have a great fondness for 

 exercise, and delight to travel in rows along fence-boards, 

 which they do at a very brisk pace when in search of food. 



In about six weeks this larva becomes full grown (Fig. 

 44), and is then an inch and a half or more in length, of a 



