SOCIAL NESTS. 
55 
pillars in single file, the head of the second 
touching the tail of the first; then come an 
equal number of caterpillars marching in pairs, 
then of three marching abreast, and so on as far 
as twenty. They move regularly on at an even 
pace, each file treading on the steps of the one 
before it. 
Caterpillars in procession. 
It is a beautiful sight to watch some species of 
these processionary caterpillars on their march. 
They wind gracefully about, looking like a cord 
of gold, upon a ribbon of dazzling whiteness. 
The golden cord is the bodies of the caterpillars, 
that are of a brilliant yellow, and the ribbon is 
the silken carpet they spread as they go along; 
for these dainty creatures will not condescend to 
touch the ground with their feet. Like kings 
and emperors, they must tread upon a tapestry of 
silk. 
But the most elegant nest is that which hangs 
from the branch of a tree, suspended by a strong 
silken cord. It is made of one or two leaves 
neatly folded and joined together with silk, and 
