60 MOISTURE OF THE PUP^. 
ends^ which had before been open, with 
a close web of whitish silk. 
The chrysalis, which you found, was 
covered with a case made of verv small 
scraps of leaves. 
Lucy, Oh, yes, I remember it was ; 
but, mamma, you would not let me touch 
the moth ; you said I should spoil it. 
Mother. And so you would; for, if the 
fly is at all disturbed while its wings are 
expanding, it is never able to complete 
the work — its wings remain misshapen 
and useless — the poor creature is inca- 
pable of flying — and, from the weight of 
its body, seems even to crawl with 
difficulty. 
Lucy. Did you not tell me, when I 
found that chrysalis, that the little moth 
was damp while in its case? 
Mother. Yes, there is just enough of 
moisture to keep all the parts soft, and 
the joints supple ; without this moisture 
the delicate wings would become stiff, 
and would not have the power of ex- 
