16 EGGS OF INSECTS, 
Species the parent makes a warm case 
for them, by gluing together the down^ 
which she pulls from her breast. 
Lucy, Poor thing ! what pains it takes 
to put them in a safe place ! I suppose 
the dow^ny case must keep them quite 
warm in winter. Are there any other 
ways in which they are placed ? 
Mother, Some kinds spin a sort of 
silk, which they commonly mat together; 
which silk being formed of a glutinous, or 
gummy substance, the threads quickly 
adhere, so as entirely to exclude, or keep 
out^ the air. The moth, as soon as it 
has deposited its eggs, and provided for 
their security, dies. 
Lucy, What a pity such pretty crea- 
tures should die so soon ! Do all flies die 
when they have laid their eggs ? 
Mother, No ; there are insects which 
live much longer. Some of the butterfly 
tribe do not lay their eggs in autumn, 
but at the approach of cold weather creep 
into holes, in walls or old trees, and 
remain torpid till spring ; at that season 
