LEAF-ROLLERS 193 



the work as a mere inquisitive onlooker, who happened to 

 be passing and stopped to see the machinery go round ? 

 Is he interested in the business ? Does he ever feel 

 inclined to lend a helping hand, in case of need ? 



One would say so. From time to time, I see him take 

 his stand behind the manufacturer, in the groove of the 

 fold, hang on to the cylinder and join for a little in the 

 work. But this is done without zeal and awkwardly. Half 

 a turn of the wheel, or hardly ; and that's enough for him. 

 After all, it is not his business. He moves away, to the 

 other end of the leaf ; he waits, he looks on. 



Let us give him credit for this attempt : paternal 

 assistance in the settling of the family is very rare among 

 insects ; let us congratulate him on the help he gives, but 

 not beyond measure : his was an interested aid. It is 

 to him a means of declaring his flame and urging his 

 merits. 



And, in fact, after several refusals, notwithstanding the 

 advances made by a brief collaboration at the scroll, the 

 impatient one is accepted. Things happen in the work- 

 yard. For ten minutes, the rolling is suspended ; but 

 the workwoman's legs, stubbornly contracted, are careful 

 not to let go : were their effort to cease, the scroll would 

 unroll at once. There must be no interruption of work 

 for this brief diversion, the animal's only pleasure. 



The stopping of the machine, which is always held tight 

 so as to keep the recalcitrant roll in subjection, does not 

 last long. The male withdraws to a slight distance, 

 without quitting the leaf, and the task is resumed. Sooner 

 or later, before the seals are put upon the work, a new 

 visit is paid by the dawdler, who, under pretence of 

 assisting, plants his claws for a moment into the rolling 

 piece, plucks up courage and renews his exploits with the 



25 



