The Cicada: the Eggs 



are arranged in an uninterrupted row. Usu- 

 ally, however, the cells are distinct. 



Their contents vary greatly. I count from 

 six to fifteen eggs in each. The average is 

 ten. As the number of cells of a complete 

 laying is between thirty and forty, we see 

 that the Cicada disposes of three to four 

 hundred eggs. Reaumur arrived at the same 

 figures from his examination of the ovaries. 



A fine family truly, capable by sheer num- 

 bers of coping with very grave risks of de- 

 struction. Yet I do not see that the adult 

 Cicada is in greater danger than any other 

 insect : he has a vigilant eye, can get 

 started quickly, is a rapid flyer and inha- 

 bits heights at which the cut-throats of the 

 meadows are not to be feared. The Spar- 

 row, it is true, is very fond of him. From 

 time to time, after careful strategy, the ene- 

 my swoops upon the plane-trees from the 

 neighbouring roof and grabs the frenzied 

 fiddler. A few pecks distributed right and 

 left cut him up into quarters, which form 

 delicious morsels for the nestlings. But 

 how often does not the bird return with an 

 empty bag! The wary Cicada sees the attack 

 coming, empties his bladder into his assail- 

 ant's eyes and decamps. 



87 



