1305. Why are the perfect insects said to be in the "nymph" state?
Because their joyful existence, and their beautiful forms, give them a fancied resemblance to the nymphs of the heathen mythology. The nymphs were supposed goddesses of the mountains, forests, meadows, and waters.
This term has generally, but very improperly, been also applied to the pupa state, so that pupa, chrysalis, and nymph have all been employed to represent one state. This is obviously an error, as there is nothing in the condition of the pupa or chrysalis that can at all accord with the mythological idea of a nymph, and which, in reference to the beautiful and joyous fly, finds a much truer application.
CHAPTER LXVII.
1306. Whence does the snail obtain its shell?
Young snails come from the egg with a shell upon their backs.
1307. How does the shell grow with the increase of size of the animal?
The soft slime which is yielded by the body of the animal, hardens upon the orifice of the shell, and thus increases its size.