The Processionary : the Nest 



separate and go their several ways over the 

 surface of the nest. 



We now behold an indeed delightful spec- 

 tacle. Bright-red stripes meander in every 

 direction over the white sheet of silk. One 

 goes up, another comes down, a third moves 

 aslant; others form a short procession. And, 

 as they solemnly walk about in a splendid dis- 

 order, each glues to the ground which it covers 

 the thread that constantly hangs from its lip. 



Thus is the thickness of the shelter in- 

 creased by a fine layer added immediately 

 above the previous structure; thus is the 

 dwelling strengthened by fresh supports. The 

 adjoining green leaves are taken into the net- 

 work and absorbed in the building. If the 

 tiniest bit of them remains free, curves radiate 

 from that point, increasing the size of the 

 veil and fastening it at a greater distance. 

 Every evening, therefore, for an hour or two, 

 great animation reigns on the surface of the 

 nest, if the weather permits; and the work 

 of consolidating and thickening the structure 

 is carried on with indefatigable zeal. 



Do they foresee the future, these wary ones 

 who take such precautions against the rigours 

 of winter? Obviously not. Their few 



33 



