To protect himself against the severity of the winter which he has to face when working, the Pine Caterpillar weaves himself a shelter in which he spends his bad hours, his days of enforced idleness.

Alone, with none but the meagre resources of his silk-glands, he would find difficulty in protecting himself on the top of a branch buffeted by the winds.

A substantial dwelling, proof against snow, gales and icy fogs, requires the cooperation of a large number.

Out of the individual's piled-up atoms, the community obtains a spacious and durable establishment.
The enterprise takes a long time to complete.

Every evening, when the weather permits, the building has to be strengthened and enlarged.