186 SOCIAL LIFE IN THE INSECT WORLD 



I determined to try; perhaps they would regain their 

 vigour at the lover's hour. 



The twenty-four prisoners were all subjected to the 

 amputation of their antennae. The one operated on the 

 day before was put aside as dying or nearly so. Finally 

 the door of the prison was left open for the rest of the 

 day. Those might leave who could ; those could join 

 in the carnival who were able. In order lo put those 

 that might leave the room to the test of a search, the 

 cage, which they must otherwise have encountered at 

 the threshold, was again removed, and placed in a room 

 of the opposite wing, on the ground floor. There was 

 of course free access to this room. 



Of the twenty-four lacking their antennae sixteen only 

 left the room. Eight were powerless to do so ; they 

 were dying. Of the sixteen, how many returned to the 

 cage that night ? Not one. My captives that night were 

 only seven, all new-comers, all wearing antennae. This 

 result seemed to prove that the amputation of the 

 antennae was a matter of serious significance. But it 

 would not do to conclude as yet : one doubt remained. 



^'A fine state I am in! How shall I dare to appear 

 before the other dogs ? " said Mouflard, the puppy whose 

 ears had been pitilessly docked. Had my butterflies 

 apprehensions similar to Master Mouflard's ? Deprived 

 of their beautiful plumes, were they ashamed to appear 

 in the midst of their rivals, and to prefer their suits ? 

 Was it confusion on their part, or want of guidance ? 

 Was it not rather exhaustion after an attempt exceeding 

 the duration of an ephemeral passion ? Experience 

 would show me. 



On the fourth night I took fourteen newcomers and 



