The Life of the Grasshopper 



the universe rather than sacrifice a dozen 

 plums. If he thinks of the insect at all, it 

 is only to speak of its extermination. 



Fortunately, this is not and never will be 

 in his power. Look at the consequences, 

 for instance, of the disappearance of the Lo- 

 cust, who is accused of stealing a few crumbs 

 from earth's rich table. In September and 

 October, the Turkeys are driven into the 

 stubble-fields, under the charge of a child 

 armed with two long reeds. The expanse 

 over which the gobbling flock slowly spreads 

 is bare, dry and burnt by the sun. At the 

 most, a few ragged thistles raise their be- 

 lated heads. What do the birds do in a 

 desert like this, simply reeking with famine ? 

 They cram themselves, in order to do honour 

 to the Christmas table; they wax fat; their 

 flesh becomes firm and appetizing. With 

 what, pray? With Locusts, whom they snap 

 up here and there, a delicious stuffing for 

 their greedy crops. This autumnal manna, 

 which costs nothing and is richly flavoured, 

 contributes to the elaboration and the im- 

 provement of the succulent roast that will be 

 so largely eaten on the festive evening. 



When the Guinea-fowl, that domesticated 

 game-bird, roams around the farm, uttering 

 358 



