together, but strike out in different directions, and thus they make
sure of a plentiful supply of food, and distribute the effects of
their depredations. These caterpillars eat continually, and hence
rapidly increase in size, until they present the appearance shown in
our drawing at the bottom of the illustration, which is a full grown
caterpillar.

[Illustration: THE CABBAGE AND PEACOCK BUTTERFLIES.]

It will be observed that this insect is composed of thirteen segments
from head to tail, which is a distinctive characteristic of all
insects both in the larval and perfect states; but in the case of this
and most other caterpillars these segments are sharply defined and
readily recognized. It will also be noticed that the three segments or
"joints" nearest the head bear a pair of legs each; these are the real
feet, or claspers, as they are sometimes termed, which develop into
the feet of the future butterfly. There are four pairs of false feet
or suckers, which adhere to the ground by suction, and which disappear
in the butterfly. On the last or tail end is a fifth pair of suckers
also, which can attach themselves to a surface with considerable
force, as any one can attest who has noticed the wrigglings of one of
these caterpillars when feeling for new feeding ground.

The caterpillar now ceases to eat, and quietly betakes itself to a
secluded corner, where in peace it spins a web around its body, and
wrapt therein remains quiescent, awaiting its change into the
butterfly. Although so dormant outwardly, activity reigns inside;
processes are going on within that chrysalis-case which are the
amazement and the puzzle of all naturalists. In course of time the
worm is changed into the beautiful winged butterfly, which breaks its