The Life of the Fly 



of whose cells arc occupied by the numerous 

 cocoons of a parasite, the Stells. The con- 

 tents of these cells, which have been partially 

 ripped up to satisfy my curiosity, are very 

 much exposed to view. The windfall appears 

 to be appreciated, for I see the dwarf ferret 

 about from cell to cell for four days on end, 

 see her choose her cocoon and insert her awl 

 in the most approved fashion. I thus learn 

 that sight, although an indispensable guide in 

 searching, does not decide upon the proper 

 spot for the operation. Here is an insect ex- 

 ploring not the stony exterior of the Mason's 

 dwelling, but the surface of cocoons woven 

 of silk. The explorer has never found her- 

 self placed in such circumstances, nor has any 

 of her race before her, every cocoon, under 

 normal conditions, being protected by a sur- 

 rounding wall. No matter: despite the pro- 

 found difference in the surfaces, the insect 

 does not waver. Warned by a special sense, 

 an undecipherable riddle to ourselves. It 

 knows that the object of its search lies hidden 

 under this unfamiliar casing. The sense of 

 smell has already been shown^ to be out of 

 the question; that of sight Is now eliminated 

 In its turn. 



^In the chapter on the Leucopsis aforesaid. — Trans- 

 lator's Note, ^ 



