o that the group of eggs, apart from its slightly withered
appearance, remains just as it was.

The young larva measures a millimetre and a half[2] in length. The
head and legs are black, the rest of the body a dull amber-red. On the
first segment of the thorax is a brown sash, interrupted in the
middle; lastly, there is a small black speck on each side, behind the
third segment. This is the initial costume. Presently orange-red will
take the place of the pale amber. The tiny creature, which is
exceedingly fat, sticks to the leaf with its short legs and also with
its hind-quarters, which act as a lever and push the round belly
forwards. The motion reminds you of a cripple sitting in a bowl.

[Footnote 2: .959 inch.--_Translator's Note_.]

The grubs emerging from any one group of eggs at once begin to browse,
each beside the empty skin of its egg. Here, singly, they nibble and
dig themselves a little pit in the thickness of the leaf, while
sparing the cuticle of the opposite surface. This leaves a translucent
floor, a support which enables them to consume the walls of the
excavation without risking a fall.

Seeking for better pasture, they move lazily on. I see them scattered
at random; a few of them are grouped in the same trench; but I never
see them browsing economically abreast as Reaumur relates. There is no
order, no understanding between messmates, contemporaries though they
be and all sprung from the same row of eggs. Nor is any heed paid to
economy: the lily is so generous!

Meanwhile, the paunch swells and the intestine labours. Here we are! I
see the first bit of the overcoat evacuated. As is natural in extreme
infancy, it is liquid and there is not much of it. The scanty flow is
used all the same and is laid methodically, right at the far end of
the back. Let the little grub be. In less than a day, piece by piece,
it will have made itself a suit.

The artist is a master from the first attempt. If its baby-flannel is
so good to start with, what will the future ulster be, when the stuff,
brought to perfection, is of much better quality? Let us proceed; we
know what we want to know concerning the talents of this manufacturer
of excremental broadcloth.

What is the purpose of this nasty great-coat? Does the grub employ it
to keep itself cool, to protect itself against the attacks of the sun?
It is possible: a tender skin need not be afraid of blistering under
such a soothing poultice. Is it the grub's obj