A Dangerous Diet 



fourth, at the bidding of its changing whims. 

 It seems to taste and select, by repeated 

 trials, the mouthfuls most to its Hking. 

 Thus bitten at several points, covered with 

 wounds, the Fly is soon a shapeless mass 

 which would putrefy very quickly if the 

 meagre dish were not devoured at a single 

 meal. Allow the Scolia-grub the same un- 

 licensed gluttony: it would perish beside its 

 corpulent victim, which should have kept 

 fresh for a fortnight, but which almost from 

 the beginning would be no more than a filthy 

 putrescence. 



This art of careful eating does not seem 

 easy to practise; at least, the larva, if ever 

 so little diverted from its usual courses. Is 

 no longer able to apply Its talent as a capable 

 trencherman. This will be proved by exper- 

 iment. I must begin by observing that, 

 when I spoke of my larva which turned 

 putrid within twenty-four hours, I adopted 

 an extreme case for the sake of greater 

 clearness. The Scolia, taking its first bite, 

 does not and cannot go to such lengths. 

 Nevertheless it behooves us to enquire 

 whether, in the consumption of the victuals, 

 the initial point of attack Is a matter of in- 

 difference and whether the rummaging 

 through the entrails of the victim entails a 

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