The Caddis-Worm 



be over until the next attack, which would 

 be baffled afresh by the selfsame trick. 



In my narrow trough, things take a more 

 tragic turn. When the sheaths are done for, 

 when the Caddis-worms that are too slow in 

 making off have been eaten up, the Water- 

 beetles return to the rockery at the bottom. 

 Here, sooner or later, there are lamentable 

 happenings. The naked fugitives are dis- 

 covered and, succulent morsels that they are, 

 are forthwith torn to pieces and devoured. 

 Within twenty-four hours, not one of my band 

 of Caddis-worms is left alive. In order to 

 continue my studies, I had to lodge the Water- 

 beetles elsewhere. 



Under natural conditions, the Caddis-worm 

 has its persecutors, the most formidable of 

 whom appears to be the Water-beetle. When 

 we consider that, to thwart the brigand's at- 

 tacks, it has invented the idea of quitting its 

 scabbard with all speed, its tactics are cert- 

 ainly most appropriate; but, in that case, an 

 exceptional condition becomes obligatory, 

 namely, the capacity for recommencing the 

 work. This most unusual gift of recommen- 

 cing it possesses in a high measure. I am 

 ready to see its origin in the persecutions of 



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