The Narbonne Lycosa: The Burrow 



prefers to tramp from one casual shelter to 

 another, or rather abandons every idea of 

 creating a permanent residence. There is a 

 short season whereat the instinct for build- 

 ing a subterranean gallery is imperatively 

 aroused. When this season is past, the ex- 

 cavating artist, if accidentally deprived of his 

 abode, becomes a wandering Bohemian, care- 

 less of a lodging. He has forgotten his 

 talents and he sleeps out. 



That the bird, the nest-builder, should neg- 

 lect its art when it has no brood to care for 

 is perfectly logical; it builds for its family, 

 not for itself. But what shall we say of the 

 Cricket, who is exposed to a thousand mis- 

 haps when away from home? The protec- 

 tion of a roof would be of great use to him; 

 and the giddy-pate does not give it a thought, 

 though he is very strong and more capable 

 than ever of digging with his powerful 

 jaws. 



What reason can we allege for this 

 neglect? None, unless it be that the season 

 of strenuous burrowing is past. The instincts 

 have a calendar of their own. At the given 

 hour, suddenly they awaken; as suddenly, 

 afterwards, they fall asleep. The ingenious 

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