The Processionary: the Procession 



observe complete abstinence till nightfall. 

 The trippers have no other object than a con- 

 stitutional, a pilgrimage to the outskirts to 

 see what these are like, possibly an inspection 

 of the locality where, later on, they mean to 

 bur)- themselves in the sand for their meta- 

 morphosis. 



It goes without saying that, in these greater 

 evolutions, the guiding cord is not neglected. 

 It is now more necessar}' than ever. All con- 

 tribute to it from the produce of their spin- 

 nerets, as is the invariable rule whenever there 

 is a progression. Not one takes a step for- 

 ward without fixing to the path the thread 

 hanging from his lip. 



If the series forming the procession be at 

 all long, the ribbon is dilated sufficiently to 

 make it easy to find: nevertheless, on the 

 homeward journey, it is not picked up with- 

 out some hesitation. For obsen-e that the 

 caterpillars when on the march never turn 

 completely; to wheel round on their tight-rope 

 is a method utterly unknown to them. In 

 order therefore to regain the road already 

 covered, they have to describe a zig-zag whose 

 windings and extent are determined by the 

 leader's fancy. Hence come gropings and 



63 



