The Stinging Power 



circumstances which I have not been able to 

 discover. 



From my various tests it is evident that the 

 discomfort is caused by the delicate hairs 

 which the lips of the dorsal mouths, gaping 

 and closing again, never cease grinding, to 

 the detriment of their beards and moustaches. 

 The edges of these slits, as their bristles rub 

 off, furnish the stinging dust. 



Having established this fact, let us proceed 

 to more serious experiments. In the middle 

 of March, when the Processionaries for the 

 most part have migrated underground, I de- 

 cide to open a few nests, as I wish to collect 

 their last inhabitants for the purpose of my 

 investigations. Without taking any precau- 

 tions, my fingers tug at the silken dwelling, 

 which is made of solid stuff; they tear it into 

 shreds, search it through and through, turn it 

 inside out and back again. 



Once more and this time in a more serious 

 fashion, I am the victim of my unthinking 

 enthusiasm. Hardly is the operation com- 

 pleted, when the tips of my fingers begin to 

 hurt in good earnest, especially in the more 

 delicate part protected by the edge of the nail. 

 The feeling is like the sharp pain of a sore 



131 



