The Locusts: the last Moult 



If the saw of the shin were as hard as 

 it is once it leaves its sheath, it would abso- 

 lutely refuse to come out without tearing to 

 pieces the tight-fitting scabbard. The dif- 

 ficulty therefore is evaded, for it is essential 

 that the leggings, which form the only sus- 

 pension-cords, should remain intact in order 

 to furnish a firm support until the deliver- 

 ance is completed. 



The leg in process of liberation is not a 

 limb fit for walking; it has not the rigidity 

 which it will presently possess. It is soft 

 and highly flexible. In the portion which 

 the progress of the moult exposes to view, I 

 see it bending and curving as I wish, under 

 the mere influence of its own weight, when 

 I lift the cage. It is as supple as elastic 

 cord. And yet consolidation follows very 

 rapidly, for the proper stiffness will be ac- 

 quired in a few minutes. 



Farther on, in the part hidden from me 

 by the sheath, the leg is certainly softer and 

 in a state of exquisite plasticity — I was al- 

 most saying fluidity — which allows it to 

 overcome difficult passages almost as a liquid 

 would flow. 



The teeth of the saw are there, but have 

 none of their future sharpness. I am able 



409 



