4 &> 
THE MOTHS. 
of the fmaller caterpillars are fmooth, and others covered 
with hairs, which produce an itchinefs and an inflamma- 
tion, when they touch the human flcin *. 
All the caterpillars of phalsenae, after having feveral 
times call their Ikin, fpin for themfelves materials of a 
habitation, in which they are to be transformed into 
chryfalids. Of all the inventions of infe&s to protect 
themfelves during their ftate of imbecility, that pra&if- 
ed by the filk worm is molt univerfally known ; and if 
animals acquire a confequence or reputation from their 
connection with man, and the conveniencies with which 
they accommodate him, this infe& may challenge, per- 
haps, a larger {hare of it than any other animal whatever. 
Our luxury has brought filk into fuch general requeft, 
that it now may be deemed a neceffary of life : The 
poor, in tome countries at leaft, would find it almoil im- 
pofiible to procure the necefiary articles of clothing, were 
woollen fluffs worn by all thofe who at prefent are fup- 
plied with filk. 
The produce of the common filk worm has been found 
molt proper for the purpofe of manufacturing into cloth : 
That glutinous fubftance with which the filk is always 
covered when it firff comes from the worm, and which 
gives it that adhtfive quality i'o proper for corftruCting 
their edifices, foontr dries than in that of any ether in- 
feit. The cods cor.fl.ru Cted by feme other fpecies are fo 
firmly glued together, that no operation can feparate the 
threads. the produce of many is by far too fine for any 
purpole in our manufactures, while that of another dais 
is too coarfe. 
Sever*! 
* Idem, Tom. I. 
