Immediately the moth began racing around energetically, and
flapping those tiny wings until the sound awakened the Deacon in
the adjoining room. After a few minutes of exercise, it seemed in
danger of injuring the other cases, so it was transferred to the
dresser, where it climbed to the lid of a trinket case, and
clinging with the feet, the wings hanging, development began.
There was no noticeable change in the head and shoulders, save that
the down grew fluffier as it dried. The abdomen seemed to draw up,
and became more compact. No one can comprehend the story of the
wings unless they have seen them develop.
At twelve o'clock and five minutes, they measured two-thirds of an
inch from the base of the costa to the tip. At twelve fifteen they
were an inch and a quarter. At half-past twelve they were two
inches. At twelve forty-five they were two and a half; and at
one o'clock they were three inches. At complete expansion this
moth measured six and a half inches strong (sic!), and this full
sweep was developed in one hour and ten minutes.
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