legs drags to it the portion of the leaf on the other side of the midrib so as to wrap this part (_i.e._ the result of its second incision) round the part of the funnel already constructed. This being done the Insect again enters the funnel, bites three or four small cavities on the inside of the leafy wall and deposits an egg in each. Afterwards it emerges and fits the overlaps together in a more perfect manner so as to somewhat contract the funnel and make it firmer; then proceeding to the tip, this is operated on by another series of engineering processes and made to close the orifice; this part of the operation being analogous to the closing by the grocer of his paper-funnel after the sugar has been put in. The operation of the beetle is, however, much more complex, for it actually makes a sort of second small funnel of the tip of the leaf, bends this in, and retains it by tucking in some little projections. The work, which has probably lasted about an hour, being now completed, the creature takes a longer or shorter rest before commencing another funnel. We have given only a sketch of the chief points of the work, omitting reference to smaller artifices of the craft master; but we may remark that the curved incisions made by the beetle have been examined by mathematicians and duly extolled as being conducted on highly satisfactory mathematical principles. It is impossible at present for us to form any conception as to the beetle's conceptions in carrying out this complex set of operations. Our perplexity is increased if we recollect its life-history, for we then see that neither precept or example can have initiated its proceedings, and that imitation is out of the question. The eggs hatch in their dark place, giving rise to an eyeless maggot, which ultimately leaves the funnel for the earth. The parts of this maggot subsequently undergo complete change to produce the motionless pupa of entirely different form, from which emerges the perfect Insect. Hence the beetle cannot be considered to have ever seen a funnel, and certainly has never witnessed the construction of one, though, when disclosed, it almost immediately sets to work to make funnels on the complex and perfect system we have so imperfectly described. More general considerations only add to the perplexity we must feel when reflecting on this subject. Why does the Insect construct the funnel at all? As a matter of protection it appears to be of little use, for the larvae are known to suffer from the attacks {294}of parasites as other Insects do. We have not the least reason for supposing that this mode of life for a larva is, so far as utility is concerned, better than a more simple and usual one. Indeed, extraordinary as this may appear, it is well known that other species of the same genus adopt a simple mode of life, laying their eggs in young fruits or buds. We think it possible, however, that a knowledge of the mode of feeding of this