242 SOCIAL LIFE IN THE INSECT WORLD 



better choice ; the acorn affords a safe, strong dwelling 

 and a capacious storehouse of food. 



A few twigs from these three trees, well provided with 

 acorns, are arranged under the domes of some of my 

 wire-gauze covers, the ends being plunged into a glass 

 of water which will keep them fresh. A suitable number 

 of couples are then introduced into the cages ; and the 

 latter are placed at the windows of my study, where they 

 obtain the direct sunlight for the greater part of the 

 day. Let us now arm ourselves with patience, and keep 

 a constant watch upon events. We shall be rewarded ; 

 the exploitation of the acorn deserves to be seen. 



Matters do not drag on for very long. Two days 

 after these preparations I arrive at the precise moment 

 when the task is commenced. The mother, larger than 

 the male, and equipped with a longer drill, is inspecting 

 her acorn, doubtless with a view to depositing her eggs. 



She goes over it step by step, from the point to the 

 stem, both above and below. On the warty cup pro- 

 gression is easy ; over the rest of the surface it would be 

 impossible, were not the soles of her feet shod with 

 adhesive pads, which enable her to retain her hold in 

 any position. Without the least uncertainty of footing, 

 the insect walks with equal facility over the top or 

 bottom or up the sides of the slippery fruit. 



The choice is made ; the acorn is recognised as being 

 of good quality. The time has come to sink the hole. 

 On account of its excessive length it is not easy to 

 manoeuvre the beak. To obtain the best mechanical 

 effect the instrument must be applied perpendicularly to 

 the convex surface of the acorn, and the embarrassing 

 implement which is carried in front of the insect when 



