NYMPHS. 47 
harden in a few hours ; but during what- 
ever time they continue soft, they are 
called nymphs, 
Lucy. Why nymphs ? 
Mother. That name is given to dis- 
tinguish a recent pupa, which has not 
completed its change, from a perfect pupa. 
In ancient times, all nymphs, or young 
Avomen, wore veils, through which they 
were indistinctly seen ; from whence this 
name of nymph came to be applied to the 
pupa while in this state. 
Lucy. Pray, mamma, why cannot 
you see the fly inside of this case ? 
Mother. Because it is a perfect 
pupa, and the covering has become thick ; 
but in the nymph state, the outer skin or 
case is so transparent, that, with the 
assistance of a microscope, the fly can 
be very plainly distinguished. 
Lucy, And have they still their horns 
and their trunks, rolled up and placed on 
their heads ? 
Mother. No ; the antennce or horns 
are now stretched along the sides ; the 
