পাতা:পদার্থবিদ্যাসার.djvu/১৩৩

# 122 Pup. Are not antsoaid to be very Tut. Their sagacity is very conspicuous, in the various methods they use to build their dwellings, to procure their food and carry, it home, to comiņunicate with each other, and to manage all their operations with order, regularity, and expedition. тhe ant-hill may be regarded as a little city, the gates of which are closed by night and guarded by day. In it are numerous houses for the accommodation of the inhabitants; and all the citizens know their proper place, and attend to their proper work with unanimity und indefatigable industry. A close attention to their habits and conduct may teach us many useful lessons: their industry affords a very instructive one to the indolent ; hence it is said, “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, aid be wise.” Pup. l liave heard, I thiuk, something remarkable concerning caterpillars. - '. Tut. Besides their beautiful form, in their first state, after some time they change their coat, and become beautiful butterflies. - Pup. But do not some of them produce our silk? Tut, Without doubt: one kind manufactures silk. This they make of a guin, which they have in their inside, in a small bag or bladder. In goldsmiths' shops you may probably have seen iron plates with holes, through which they draw the gold wire to its proper size. The silkworm has, under her mouth, spinething resembliug a kind of perforated instrument, *through which she draws the gum. This sapplies the righticlegine,ಕ್ಲೀನ್ಚಿಲ್ಲ |opasing through those holes it receives its :in and length. - | r w * r *