28 
THE CATERPILLAR. 
branch off from these larger ones, and carry a 
supply of air through the whole body. 
A fluid, something like the blood of animals, 
is stored up in a vessel that is supposed to answer 
the purpose of a heart, though it is not in the 
least like one. It has been seen to beat, but 
nothing very clear is known about it. 
The caterpillar, in proportion to its size, is a 
great deal stronger than either you or I. And 
this is because of its very powerful muscles. It 
has more than four thousand of them; and they run 
lengthways, and crossways, and form a complete 
net work beneath its skin, like a pattern of fine lace. 
They enable it to bend about, and put itself into 
all manner of attitudes; and also to lift weights 
much heavier than itself. 
There is a story told of a large caterpillar* that 
was once caught, and put under a bell-glass to be 
safe. The glass was ten times heavier than the 
caterpillar, but by the aid of its powerful muscles, 
it lifted it up with ease, and was making its 
escape. Again it was taken prisoner, and placed 
under the glass, and this time a great book was 
laid on the glass in order to keep it down. You 
would have thought that the caterpillar was quite 
secure now, but no such thing. It crawled round 
and round its prison; and then, as if gathering up 
* Of the Goat Moth. Cossus ligniperda. 
