The Life of the Weevil 



Things do not drag on so very long. 

 Two days after these preparations, I arrive 

 at the exact moment when the work begins. 

 The mother, larger than the male and 

 supplied with a longer drill, is inspecting her 

 acorn, no doubt in view of the eggs. 



She goes over it step by step, from tip 

 to stem, above and below. Walking is easy 

 on the wrinkled cup; it would be imprac- 

 ticable on the rest of the surface if the soles 

 of her feet were not shod with clinging 

 pattens, with brushes which enable her to 

 keep her balance in any position. Without 

 tripping or stumbling, therefore, the insect 

 walks with equal ease, over the top or bottom 

 or up the sides of her slippery pedestal. 



The choice is made; the acorn is recogr 

 nized as being of good quality. The time 

 has come to sink the hole. T]he rod is 

 difficult to wield, because of its excessive 

 length. To obtain the best mechanical 

 effect, the instrument must be held at right 

 angles to the convex surface; and the cum- 

 brous tool which, out of working-hours, 

 projects in front of the worker must now be 

 brought under her. 



To achieve this object, the Weevil raises 

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