Chrysalis, or Aurelia, in natural history, is a term express-ing that form of butterflies, moths, chafers, and other inseets which they assume, while in a state of rest and apparent insensibility; before arrive at their winged or most perfect state. This transformation, says Herdbr, a celebrated German author, affords a beautiful emblem of man's passage to a future, life.

The form of the chrysalis generally approaches that of a cone: while the creature is in this state, it appears to be destitute both of legs and wings, to have scarcely power to move ; and, in short, to be almost devoid of life. It takes no nourishment, nor has it indeed any organs for that purpose : its posterior part is all that seems animated, which has the power of motion, in a very slight degree, The external coat of the chrysalis is cartilaginous, of a considerable size, generally smooth and glossy, though some of them have a few hairs, while others are as hairy as the caterpillars from which they are produced; and again others are rough, and in a manner shagreen-ed.

When first produced, the chry-salis is soft, and the front of it moistened with a viscous liquor, which surrounds the wings, legs, etc. as it hardens almost imme-diately, all those limbs that were before separated, are consolidated into a mass. Having undergone its change, in this state, it perforates the shall with its head, and bursts forth into day, in its winged form.

As this admirable part of the animal creation has, hitherto, been almost entirely neglected by economists, though it has always excited the attention of the curious natu-ralist, we have inserted the preceding concise account, to remind the ingenious inquirer, that even these apparently useless creatures may, perhaps, at some future time, become subservient to important purchub, being very full of bones, afford but an indifferent dish ; yet they furnish considerable amusement to anglers, as they may be easily taken. The best mode of fishing for them is the following: Prepare a very strong rod of sufficient length, and fix to the hook a grasshopper, beetle, or any other large fly. This must be dropped gently at a small distance from the fish, which will bite immediately, if it does not see the angler, who should take the precaution of concealing himself from it; as, being extremely timid, this fish sinks to the bottom, on the slightest alarm, and not unfrequently at the passing of a shadow. In March and April, it may be caught with large, red worms; in June and July with flies, snails, and cherries; but in the months of August and September, the proper bait is good cheese pounded in a mortar with some saffron, and a small quantity of butter. The best season for this fish is winter, as the flesh is then more firm, and better tasted. During cold weather, the angler should keep his bait at the bottom, when it will be eagerly seized.