60 THE LIFE AND LOVE OF THE INSECT 



ing my invitations, my appeals to the appetizing heap. 

 What he wants above all is the joys of light. He climbs 

 the metal trellis, sets himself in the sun and there, 

 motionless, takes his fill of its beams. 



What passes through his dull-witted scavenger's brain 

 during this first bath of radiant light ? Probably nothing. 

 He enjoys the unconscious happiness of a flower blooming 

 in the sun. 



At last, the insect goes to the victuals . A ball is con- 

 structed according to all the rules. There is no appren- 

 ticeship, no first attempt : the spherical form is obtained 

 as regularly as though after long practice. A burrow 

 is dug wherein to eat in peace the lately -kneaded bread. 

 Here we find the novice thoroughly versed in his art. 

 No experience, however prolonged, will add anything to 

 his talents. 



