Aberrations of Instinct 



thing outside to show whether the cocoon is 

 empty or inhabited. 



Easy exit is not enough: there must also 

 be an inviolable refuge during the labour 

 of metamorphosis. The cell whose door is 

 open for exit must have the same door 

 closed against entrance, so that no evil- 

 minded one may make his way inside. The 

 mechanism of the Eel-pot's mouth admir- 

 ably fulfils this condition, which is as neces- 

 sary to the safety of the Great Peacock as 

 the first. To enter through the multiple 

 fences of converging threads, which consti- 

 tute a more effectual obstacle the harder 

 they are pushed, would be impossible to any 

 creature that might bethink itself of at- 

 tempting to violate the dwelling. I am 

 well-acquainted with the secrets of this lock, 

 which contrives, like any fine piece of work- 

 manship, to combine simple means with im- 

 portant results; and yet I always stand 

 amazed when, with an open cocoon in my 

 fingers, I try to pass a pencil through the 

 entrance. When pushed outwards from 

 within, it passes immediately; when pushed 

 inwards from without, it is invincibly 

 checked. 



I am lingering over these details to show 

 the importance which the good construction 

 121 



