The Sloe- Weevil 



a glass tube, sealed at one end by the blow- 

 pipe. I divide them one from the other by 

 means of cork partitions, so as to allow each 

 a cell comparable in capacity with the natural 

 lodging. Thus stocked, the tube receives a 

 first-rate cork covered with a layer of sealing- 

 wax. It is absolutely closed. No gaseous 

 exchanges are possible between the inside and 

 the outside; and each larva is strictly limited 

 to the small quantity of atmosphere which I 

 have meted out to it approximately, accord- 

 ing to the capacity of the underground cells. 



Similar tubes are prepared, some with 

 Cetonia-grubs taken from the shells in which 

 they were awaiting metamorphosis and 

 others with nymphs of the same species. 

 What will become of these various prisoners, 

 whose life is latent, suspended, demanding 

 a minimum of ventilation? 



The sight that greets my eyes a fortnight 

 later is conclusive. My tubes contain only a 

 horrible mess of corpses. Evaporation was 

 impossible; no fresh air came to cleanse the 

 premises and vivify the larvae and nymphs; 

 and all have perished, all have become putrid. 



The casket of the sloe, despite its air-tight 

 condition, is not so close a receptacle as my 

 219 



