XIX. 



In the wood Interment of a field-mouse The population of an oak-tree- 

 Gall-fly The origin of gall-nuts Parasites of parasites The surprise 

 prepared by the keeper A park for insects New treasures for the col- 

 lection of Leon Arrest of an assassin Ocypus olens A little-known way 

 of butterfly-hunting "Wedded couples should be well-matched Saint 

 Francis of Sales might have become an excellent entomologist The 

 grebe A difficult problem solved by a bird The return A conjugal 

 drama. 



OUR friends asked themselves with some curiosity 

 what could be the keeper's meaning, and how he 

 intended to secure for them the rich harvest of insects 

 he alluded to in such enigmatical fashion. But 

 Franceschim, in spite of their inquiring glances, 

 thought proper in a roguish manner to keep the secret 

 of his surprise. 



They provided themselves with the implements neces- 

 sary for the purpose of catching and preserving insects, 

 some of which Leon always carried with him during 

 his excursions : boxes, butterfly-nets, and of course 

 the umbrella that is held inverted under the trees to 

 catch the insects that are made to fall by beating or 

 tapping the foliage with a stick. Then the little 

 party proceeded along a path in the wood, headed by 

 Franceschim, proud of doing the honours of his 



