182 SOCIAL LIFE IN THE INSECT WORLD 



plane-trees ; an alley densely bordered with lilacs and 

 rose-trees make a kind of outer vestibule to the entrance ; 

 it is protected from the mistral by groups of pines and 

 screens of cypress. A thicket of evergreen shrubs forms 

 a rampart at a few paces from the door. It was across 

 this maze of leafage, and in absolute darkness, that the 

 butterflies had to find their way in order to attain the 

 end of their pilgrimage. 



Under such conditions the screech-owl would not dare 

 to forsake its hollow in the olive-tree. The butterfly, 

 better endowed with its faceted eyes than the owl with 

 its single pupils, goes forward without hesitation, and 

 threads the obstacles without contact. So well it directs 

 its tortuous flight that, in spite of all the obstacles to be 

 evaded, it arrives in a state of perfect freshness, its great 

 wings intact, without the slightest flaw. The darkness is 

 light enough for the butterfly. 



Even if we suppose it to be sensitive to rays unknown 

 to the ordinary retina, this extraordinary sight could not 

 be the sense that warns the butterfly at a distance and 

 brings it hastening to the bride. Distance and the 

 objects interposed make the suggestion absurd. 



Moreover, apart from illusory refractions, of which 

 there is no question here, the indications of light are 

 precise; one goes straight to the object seen. But the 

 butterfly was sometimes mistaken : not in the general 

 direction, but concerning the precise position of the 

 attractive object. I have mentioned that the nursery on 

 the other side of the house to my study, which was the 

 actual goal of the visitors, was full of butterflies before a 

 light was taken into it. These were certainly incorrectly 

 informed. In the kitchen there was the same crowd of 



