THE PINE PROCESSIONARY 125 



if the line should break up in consequence of some ac- 

 cident and be formed anew in a different order. 



His temporary functions give him an attitude of his 

 own. While the others follow passively in a close file, 

 he, the captain, tosses himself about and with an abrupt 

 movement flings the front of his body hither and thither. 

 As he marches ahead he seems to be seeking his way. 

 Does he in point of fact explore the country? Does he 

 choose the most practicable places? Or are his hesita- 

 tions merely the result of the absence of a guiding thread 

 on ground that has not yet been covered ? His subordi- 

 nates follow very placidly, reassured by the cord which 

 they hold between their legs; he, deprived of that support, 

 is uneasy. 



Why cannot I read what passes under his black, shiny 

 skull, so like a drop of tar to look at? To judge by 

 actions, there is here a modicum of discernment which 

 is able, after experimenting, to recognize excessive rough- 

 nesses, over-slippery surfaces, dusty places that offer no 

 resistance and, above all, the threads left by other ex- 

 cursionists. This is all or nearly all that my long ac- 

 quaintance with the Processionaries has taught me as to 

 their mentality. Poor brains, indeed; poor creatures, 

 whose commonwealth has its safety hanging upon a 

 thread ! 



The processions vary greatly in length. The finest 

 that I have seen maneuvering on the ground measured 

 twelve or thirteen yards and numbered about three hun- 

 dred caterpillars, drawn up with absolute precision in a 

 wavy line. But, if there were only two in a row the 



