43 
79 Lace made by CAXERriLLARS, A most extraordinary species 
of manufacture, has been contrived by an officer of engineers, at 
Munich. It consists of lace and veil, with open patterns in them, 
made entirely by caterpillars. The following is the mode of 
proceeding adopted. Having made a paste of the leaves of the 
plant, on which the species of caterpillar he employs feeds, he 
spreads it thinly over a stone, or other flat substance, of the re- 
quired size. He then with a camel-hair pencil dipped in olive 
oil, draws the pattern he wishes the insects to leave open. This 
stone is then placed in an inclined position, and a considerable 
number of the caterpillars are placed at the bottom. A peculiar 
species is chosen, which spins a strong web; and the animals 
commence at the bottom, eating and spinning their way up to 
the top, carefully avoiding every part touched by the oil, but 
devouring every other part of the paste. The extreme lightness 
of these veils, combined with some strength, is truly surprising. 
One of them, measuring twenty-six and a half inches by seven- 
teen inches, weighed only a grain and a half; a degree of light- 
ness which will appear more strongly by contrast with other 
fabrics. One square yard of the substance of which these veils 
are made, weighs four grains and one-third, whilst one square 
yard of silk gauze, weighs one hundred and thirty-seven grains; 
and one square yard of the finest patent net weighs two hun- 
dred and sixty-two grains. 
SO To PRESERVE DRIED Herbs. Mr. Liiulsey, Gardener to the 
Duke of Devonshire at Chiswick, has made a great improve- 
ment in the mode of jireserving dried sweet herbs; such as thyme, 
marjorum, savory, sage, &c. After drying them in the usual 
manner in the shade, he puts each sort into a small box, 8 or 10 
inches long, by 5 or 6 inches broad, and 6 or 8 inches deep; and, 
by means of boards of the size of the interior length and w idth 
of the box, and a screw-press, he presses the herbs into cakes, 
or little trusses. These are afterwards carefully wrapped up in 
paper ; and, being kept in a dry place, are found to retain their 
aroma, in as perfect a state as when they were put in the press, 
for at least three years, the extent of 3Ir. Lindsey’s experience. 
81 Desmodilm r.YRAXs; or moving plant. This plant was, for- 
merly, called Hedysarum gyrans; and the peculiar property of 
continual motion which its ternate leaves possess, has interested 
naturalists ever since it was noticed by the younger Linneus. 
122. AVCTARICM 79« Babbage's Manufac. SO, Card. Mag. 
