FABRE'S BOOK OF INSECTS 



self cannot even hear the song he sings with so much 

 apparent delight. This might account for the relentless 

 way in which he forces his music upon others. 



He has very clear sight. His five eyes tell him what 

 is happening to right and to left and above his head; 

 and the moment he sees any one coming he is silent and 

 flies away. Yet no noise disturbs him. Place yourself 

 behind him, and then talk, whistle, clap your hands, 

 and knock two stones together. For much less than this 

 a bird, though he would not see you, would fly away 

 terrified. The imperturbable Cicada gojies on rattling 

 as though nothing were there. 



On one occasion I borrowed the local artillery, that 

 is to say the guns that are fired on feast-days in the vil- 

 lage. There were two of them, and they were crammed 

 with powder as though for the most important rejoicings. 

 They were placed at the foot of the plane-trees in front 

 of my door. We were careful to leave the windows 

 open, to prevent the panes from breaking. The Cicadae 

 in the branches overhead could not see what was 

 happening. 



Six of us waited below, eager to hear what would be 



the effect on the orchestra above. 



Bang! The gun went off with a noise like a thunder- 

 clap. 



Quite unconcerned, the Cicadae continued to sing. 



[34] 



