The Poplar-Weevil 



in the business? Does he ever feel inclined 

 to lend a helping hand in case of need? 



One would say so. From time to time I 

 see him take his stand behind his industrious 

 mate, in the furrow of the fold, hang on to 

 the cylinder and join in the work for a little. 

 But it is done listlessly and awkwardly. A 

 bare half-turn of the wheel; and that's 

 enough for him. After all, it is not his 

 affair. He moves away, to the other end of 

 the leaf; he waits, he looks on. 



We will give him credit for this attempt, 

 since paternal assistance in settling the family 

 is rare among insects; we will congratulate 

 him on the help which he gives, but not to 

 excess: his assistance is interested. It is a 

 means of declaring his flame and urging his 

 merits. 



And in fact, after several refusals not- 

 withstanding the advances made during a 

 brief collaboration on the cylinder, the 

 impatient suitor is accepted. Everything 

 takes place on the site of the female's 

 labours. For ten minutes or so, the rolling 

 is suspended, but the worker's legs, violently 

 contracted, are very careful not to let go: 

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