54 SOCIAL LIFE IN THE INSECT WORLD 



majority of the egg-chambers have thus received the 

 ahen egg which will work the destruction of their 

 contents. A small, quick-hatching grub, richly 

 nourished on a dozen eggs, will replace the family of 

 the Cigale. 



The experience of centuries has taught the Cigale 

 nothing. With her excellent eyesight she must be 

 able to perceive these terrible sappers as they hover 

 about her, meditating their crime. Too peaceable 

 giantess ! if you see them why do you not seize them 

 in your talons, crush the pigmies at their work, so 

 that you may proceed with your travail in security ? 

 But no, you will leave them untouched ; you cannot 

 modify your instincts, even to alleviate your maternal 

 misfortunes. 



The eggs of the common Cigale are of a shining 

 ivory white. Conical at the ends, and elongated in 

 form, they might be compared in shape to the weaver's 

 shuttle. Their length is about one-tenth of an inch, 

 their diameter about one-fiftieth. They are packed in 

 a row, slightly overlapping one another. The eggs of 

 the Cacan are slightly smaller, and are assembled in 

 regular groups which remind one of microscopical 

 bundles of cigars. We will consider the eggs of the 

 common Cigale to the exclusion of the others, as 

 their history is the history of all. 



September is not yet over when the shining white 

 as of ivory gives way to the yellow hue of cheese. 

 During the first days of October you may see, at the 

 forward end of the egg, two tiny points of chestnut 

 brown, which are the eyes of the embryo in formation* 

 These two shining eyes, which almost seem to gaze 



