The Processionary : the Nest 



separate and go their several ways over the 

 surface of the nest. 



We now behold an indeed delightful spec- 

 tacle. Bright-red stripes meander in every 

 direction over the white sheet of silk. One 

 goes up, another comes down, a third moves 

 aslant; others form a short procession. And, 

 as they solemnly walk about in a splendid dis- 

 order, each glues to the ground which it covers 

 the thread that constantly hangs from its lip. 



Thus is the thickness of the shelter in- 

 creased by a fine layer added immediately 

 above the previous structure; thus is the 

 dwelling strengthened by fresh supports. The 

 adjoining green leaves are taken into the net- 

 work and absorbed in the building. If the 

 tiniest bit of them remains free, curves radiate 

 from that point, increasing the size of the 

 veil and fastening it at a greater distance. 

 Every evening, therefore, for an hour or two, 

 great animation reigns on the surface of the 

 nest, if the weather permits; and the work 

 of consolidating and thickening the structure 

 is carried on with indefatigable zeal. 



Do they foresee the future, these wary ones 

 v/ho take such precautions against the rigours 

 of winter? Obviously not. Their few 



33 



