INTKODUCTIOJf. 
80 
kinds generally formed by these family associations. 
When they first issue from the egg, they arrange 
themselves side by side in regular lines, two or three 
deep, and eat their way along the surface of the 
leaf, advancuig simultaneously and -with as much 
regularity as if they were executing a military 
manoeuvre. In this systematic W'ay they speedily 
consume the leaf for rather more than half its thick- 
ness ; leaving, however, untouched the inferior epi- 
dermis and the nervures, as these are to form the 
canvass and cordage, if it may be so expressed, of a 
portion of their future tent. At an early period 
some of them may be seen carrying their lines of 
silk from one side of the leaf to the other, and as 
these Increase in number, the latter, now become 
thin and pliable, gradually acquires a concave shape. 
By the aid of additional spinners, the threads are 
multiplied till they form a continuous web or veil, 
the silk of which is remarkable for its w’hiteness. 
Under this, as a kind of roof, they find shelter from 
the weather, and make little excursions when in 
want of additional food. 
Now busily convened^ upon the bud 
Tliafc crowns their genial branch, they feast sublime ; 
And spread their muslin canopy around, 
Pavilioned richer than the proudest kings. 
Several leaves, prepared in this manner, are gene- 
rally necessary to afford accommodation to an entire 
colony. These slight erections, however, are de- 
signed merely for temporary protection, and are all 
abandoned for one of a more durable construction, 
