156 FABRE'S BOOK OF INSECTS 



patch is a horrible method. The short-sighted man would 

 upset the order of the universe rather than sacrifice a dozen 

 plums. If he thinks of the insect at all, it is only to kill it. 



And yet, think what the consequences would be if all the 

 Locusts were killed. In September and October the Turkeys 

 are driven into the stubble, under charge of a child armed 

 with two long reeds. The expanse over which the gobbling 

 flock slowly spreads is bare, dry, and burnt by the sun. At 

 the most, a few ragged thistles raise their heads. What do 

 the birds do in this famine- stricken desert ? They cram them- 

 selves, that they may do honour to the Christmas table ; they 

 wax fat ; their flesh becomes firm and good to eat. And pray, 

 what do they cram themselves with ? With Locusts. They 

 snap them up, one here, one there, till their greedy crops are 

 filled with the delicious stuffing, which costs nothing, though 

 its rich flavour will greatly improve the Christmas Turkey. 



When the Guinea-fowl roams about the farm, uttering her 

 rasping cry, what is it that she seeks ? Seeds, no doubt ; but 

 above all Locusts, which puff her out under the wings with a 

 pad of fat, and give a better flavour to her flesh. The Hen, 

 too, much to our advantage, is just as fond of them. She 

 well knows the virtues of that dainty dish, which acts as a 

 tonic and makes her lay more eggs. When left at liberty she 

 rarely fails to lead her family to the stubble-fields, so that 

 they may learn to snap up the nice mouthful skilfully. In 

 fact, every bird in the poultry-yard finds the Locust a valu- 

 able addition to his bill of fare. 



It is still more important outside the poultry-yard. Any 

 one who is a sportsman, and knows the value of the Red-legged 

 Partridge, the glory of our southern hills, should open the crop 

 of the bird he has just shot. He will find it, nine times out 

 of ten, more or less crammed with Locusts. The Partridge 

 dotes on them, preferring them to seeds as long as he can 

 catch them. This highly- flavoured, nourishing fare would 

 almost make him forget the existence of seeds, if it were only 

 there all the year round. 



