After the caterpillars hatch it will be necessary to bring in each day fresh apple twigs with buds and leaves on them so as to feed the little prisoners. It is very desirable that they be kept alive until they have begun their web and have molted at least twice. If they show a disposition to wander off, put the breeding cage over the bottle and branch and so keep them confined with their food.
To supplement the study of the imprisoned caterpillars, study should be made at the same time of the insects out of doors and under natural conditions. If none appear upon an apple or wild cherry tree near the school-house, the teacher should transfer a colony to such a tree ([Fig. 148]). This may be done by fastening a twig with an egg-mass upon it to a branch of the tree. If too late to get the unhatched eggs, get a nest with the small worms in it and tie that to the convenient branch instead. This study of the insects out of doors is very necessary in discovering their normal habits.
Lesson II. The Caterpillars. [Fig. 149], c.
If the eggs hatch before the leaves appear, upon what do the caterpillars feed?
How long is it after hatching before the caterpillars commence to make their tent?
Where is the tent always formed?
Answer. In the fork of the branches.
Why is this so?
Fig. 148. A young colony of tent-makers on a cherry tree.