The Locusts: the last Moult 



supported by the claws of the now empty 

 leggings. Throughout this long and finikin 

 work, the four talons have never yielded, 

 thanks to the delicacy and care with which 

 the extraction has been conducted. 



The insect, fixed by the stern to its cast 

 skin, does not move. Its abdomen is im- 

 mensely swollen, apparently distended by 

 the reserve of organizable humours which 

 the expansion of the wings and wing-cases 

 will soon set in motion. The Locust is rest- 

 ing; he is recovering from his exertions. 

 Twenty minutes are spent in waiting. 



Then, by an effort of its back, the hanging 

 insect raises itself and with its front tarsi 

 grabs hold of the cast skin fastened above 

 it. Never did acrobat, swinging by his feet 

 from the bar of a trapeze, display greater 

 strength of loin in lifting himself. When 

 this feat is accomplished, what remains to 

 be done is nothing. With the support which 

 he has now gripped, the Locust climbs a 

 little higher and reaches the wire gauze of 

 the cage. This takes the place of the brush- 

 wood which the free insect would utilize for 

 the transformation. He fixes himself to it 

 with his four front feet. Then the tip of 

 the abdomen succeeds in releasing itself, 



411 



