92 



The manner in which the eggs are deposited, and 

 the young caterpillars developed, appears first to have 

 been noticed by Mr. Major (Treatis, p. 51) ; but sub- 

 sequently, with more precision, by Mr. Lewis (Trans, 

 Ent. Soc. i. p. 22). The former writer states that, 

 on the 29th of July, he found the parent coating her 

 eggs over, which she appeared just to have been de- 

 positing, with gummy matter (employing her tail in 

 the operation), which, when dry, forms a thin shell 

 or scale, about the eighth of an inch in diameter. On 

 the 19th of October, on examining the scale, he found 

 26 caterpillars existing, which he was persuaded had 

 never left their abode, as at that time all the parts 

 were completely shut up, and, indeed, the edges of 

 the scale were fast cemented to the branch. He thinks 

 it probable that they may derive some little support 

 from the sap of the branch under the shell or cover- 

 ing where they reside ; but it is quite clear that they 

 never emerge from their birth-place to obtain food, or 

 form any additional residence, till they are influenced 

 by the warmth in the following spring. Mr. Lewis 

 takes up the observation where it had been left by Mr. 

 Major, and states that, about the time that the trees 

 are coming into leaf, the caterpillars make their escape; 

 but they do not commence spinning webs immediately ; 

 they cannot yet eat the epidermis of the leaves, and 

 they require some protection from the cold and rain' 

 which their tender frames are not yet fitted to endure : 



