72 SOCIAL LIFE IN THE INSECT WORLD 



during the greater part of the day. There I install my 

 captives ; some singly, some in groups. 



It is in the latter half of August that I begin to meet 

 with the adult insect on the faded herbage and the 

 brambles at the roadside. The females, whose bellies 

 are already swollen, are more numerous every day. 

 Their slender companions, on the other hand, are some- 

 what rare, and I often have some trouble in completing 

 my couples ; whose relations will finally be terminated 

 by a tragic consummation. But we will reserve these 

 amenities for a later time, and will consider the females 

 first. 



They are tremendous eaters, so that their entertainment, 

 when it lasts for some months is not without difficulties. 

 Their provisions must be renewed every day, for the 

 greater part are disdainfully tasted and thrown aside. 

 On its native bushes I trust the Mantis is more 

 economical. Game is not too abundant, so that she 

 doubtless devours her prey to the last atom ; but in ray 

 cages it is always at hand. Often, after a few mouthfuls, 

 the insect will drop the juicy morsel without displaying 

 any further interest in it. Such is the ennui of 

 captivity 1 



To provide them with a luxurious table I have to call 

 in assistants. Two or three of the juvenile unemployed 

 of my neighbourhood, bribed by slices of bread and jam 

 or of melon, search morning and evening on the 

 neighbouring lawns, where they fill their game-bags, 

 little cases made from sections of reeds, with living 

 grasshoppers and crickets. On my own part, I make 

 a daily tour of the paddock, net in hand, with the object 

 of obtaining some choice dish for my guests. 



