FABRE'S BOOK OF INSECTS 



The worst offenders are the Ants. I have seen them 

 nibbling at the ends of the Cicada's legs, tugging at the 

 tips of his wings, and climbing on his back. Once a 

 bold robber, before my very eyes, caught hold of a Ci- 

 cada's sucker and tried to pull it out. 



At last, worried beyond all patience, the singer deserts 

 the well he has made. The Ant has now attained her 

 object: she is left in possession of the spring. This 

 dries up very soon, it is true; but, having drunk all the 

 sap that is there, she can wait for another drink till she 

 has a chance of stealing another well. 



So you see that the actual facts are just the reverse 

 of those in the fable. The Ant is the hardened beggar: 

 the industrious worker is the Cicada. 



II 



THE CICADA S BURROW 



I am in an excellent position to study the habits of the 

 Cicada, for I live in his company. When July comes he 

 takes possession of the enclosures right up to the threshold 

 of the house. I remain master indoors, but out of doors 

 he reigns supreme, and his reign is by no means a peace- 

 ful one. 



The first Cicada appear at midsummer. In the much- 

 trodden, sun-baked paths I see, level with the ground, 



[28] 



