FABRE'S BOOK OF INSECTS 



already softened into mud. This is instinct. She has 

 always built in this way. Neither the passing ages nor 

 the struggle for life will induce her to imitate the Mason- 

 bee and make her nest of dry dust and cement. 



This mud nest of hers needs a shelter against the rain. 

 A hiding-place under a stone, perhaps, sufficed at first. 

 But when she found something better she took possession 

 of it. She installed herself in the home of man. This 

 is discernment. 



She supplies her young with food in the form of 

 Spiders. This is instinct, and nothing will ever per- 

 suade her that young Crickets are just as good. But 

 should there be a lack of her favourite Cross Spider she 

 will not leave her grubs unfed ; she will bring them other 

 Spiders. This is discernment. 



In this quality of discerment lies the possibility of 

 future improvement for the insect. 



IV 



HER ORIGIN 



The Pelopaeus sets us another problem. She seeks 

 the warmth of our fireplaces. Her nest, built of soft 

 mud which would be reduced to pulp by damp, must 

 have a dry shelter. Heat is a necessity to her. 



Is it possible that she is a foreigner? Did she come, 



[84] 



