THE CRICKET 



been solved by the Cricket, by the Rabbit, and lastly by 

 man. In my neighbourhood the Fox and the Badger 

 have holes, which are largely formed by the irregularities 

 of the rock, A few repairs, and the dug-out is com- 

 pleted. The Rabbit is cleverer than these, for he builds 

 his house by burrowing wherever he pleases, when there 

 is no natural passage that allows him to settle down free 

 of all trouble. 



The Cricket is cleverer than any of them. He scorns 

 chance refuges, and always chooses the site of his home 

 carefully, in well-drained ground, with a pleasant sunny 

 aspect. He refuses to make use of ready-made caves 

 that are inconvenient and rough: he digs every bit of 

 his villa, from the entrance-hall to the back-room. 



I see no one above him, in the art of house-building, 

 except man; and even man, before mixing mortar to 

 hold stones together, or kneading clay to coat his hut 

 of branches, fought with wild beasts for a refuge in the 

 rocks. Why is it that a special instinct is bestowed on 

 one particular creature? Here is one of the humblest 

 of creatures able to lodge himself to perfection. He 

 has a home, an advantage unknown to many civilised 

 beings; he has a peaceful retreat, the first condition of 

 comfort; and no one around him is capable of settling 

 down. He has no rivals but ourselves. 



Whence does he derive this gift? Is he favoured 



[179] 



