FABRE'S BOOK OF INSECTS 



no better proof that the Glow-worm's light is the effect 

 of oxidisation. 



The light is white, calm, and soft to the eyes, and 

 suggests a spark dropped by the full moon. In spite of 

 its splendour it is very feeble. If we move a Glow- 

 worm along a line of print, in perfect darkness, we can 

 easily make out the letters one by one, and even words 

 when they are not too long; but nothing is visible beyond 

 this very narrow zone. A lantern of this kind soon 

 tires the reader's patience. 



These brilliant creatures know nothing at all of family 

 affection. They lay their eggs anywhere, or rather strew 

 them at random, either on the earth or on a blade of grass. 

 Then they pay no further attention to them. 



From start to finish the Glow-worm shines. Even 

 the eggs are luminous, and so are the grubs. At the 

 approach of cold weather the latter go down into the 

 ground, but not very far. If I dig them up I find them 

 with their little stern-lights still shining. Even below 

 the soil they keep their lanterns bravely alight. 



[68] 



