SPHINX. 6S 
those of a lion, though, in its head and 
neck, it was shaped like a woman. It 
was always represented in a prostrate 
position, with the fore paws extended 
forwards, but holding its head erect ; just 
as you often see our large dog Basto lie at 
the hall door. 
Lucy, I understand ; but I should 
like to see a drawing of it. 
Mother, If you remember to ask 
papa this evening he will show you, in 
Denon's Travels in Egypt, the engraving 
of the celebrated statue of a sphinx. 
Lucy. I will, mamma ; but why is 
a little gentle moth called a sphinx ? 
Mother, That fanciful name has been 
given them, because the caterpillars of 
some of this genus are often found in a 
posture resembling that of a sphinx. 
Lucy. Is this kind as common as 
the others, which you have mentioned ? 
Mother. No, it is not so frequently 
met with in England ; and besides, there 
are much fewer species of sphinges than 
of moths or butterflies. 
