224 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
being much longer. than the others, in order to assist 
it in leaping. It feeds principally on grass : it lays 
about a hundred and fifty eggs, of the size of anise 
seeds. The female dies soon after she has pro- 
duced them. 
THE CATERPILLAR. 
8. This name is applied to the larva of a great 
variety of insects. In the summer and autumn, they 
may be seen in great abundance under the cover of 
a fine web, which they spin to defend themselves 
from the inclemency of the weather ; and in the pro- 
tection of this they pass the winter months in a tor- 
pid state. 
9. Invited out by the warmth of spring, they soon 
attain their full growth. At this time, they suspend 
themselves by the tail, to change into chrysalids, in 
which state they remain fourteen days. Their mode 
of suspension is a singular instance of the extraordi- 
nary power of instinct. 
10. They first draw two or three blades of grass 
together, and fasten them by means of their silk ; 
then hang themselves beneath the centre of these, 
each having its own little canopy. 
11. By this means they are protected from the 
weather, and hidden from the sight of birds. From 
these chrysalids they issue in the form of butterflies. 
Mention some particulars of the Caterpillar. 
