More Beetles 



the size of the loaf, increasing or decreasing 

 it at will. Let us first consider the decrease. 



In May, I procure four recent pears, con- 

 taining the egg in the chamber of the termi- 

 nal nipple. By making an equatorial section, 

 I cut off the hinder half, in the shape of a 

 large spherical cap ; the other half, sur- 

 mounted by its neck, I retain; and I place 

 the four egg-bearing portions in as many 

 small jars, in which there is no danger of 

 either desiccation or excessive damp. 



With these provisions decreased by half, 

 development takes place as usual; then two 

 of the grubs die, apparently the victims of 

 defective hygiene: my jars are not equal to 

 the burrows, with their pleasant moisture. 

 The two others are still in good condition, 

 ever ready to plug with dung the window 

 which I cut through the wall of the cell when 

 I wish to inspect them. At the end of the 

 active period, I find them remarkably small 

 in comparison with those of their fellows 

 who have been left in possession of the whole 

 pear. The effect of insufficient food is al- 

 ready manifest. What will it be in the per- 

 fect insect? 



In September there emerge from the shells 

 244 



