The Empusa 



juxtaposition. Each of them corresponds 

 with a cell containing two eggs. The eggs 

 in all, therefore, amount to about a couple 

 of dozen. 



I have not seen the hatching. I do not 

 know whether, as in the Praying Mantis, it 

 is preceded by a transition-stage adapted to 

 facilitate the delivery. It may easily be that 

 there is nothing of the kind, since everything 

 is so well-prepared for the exit. Above the 

 cells is a very short exit-hall, free of any 

 obstacle. It is closed merely by a small 

 quantity of frothy, crumbly matter, which 

 will readily yield to the mandibles of the 

 new-born larvae. With this wide passage 

 leading to the outer air, long legs and slender 

 antennas cease to be embarrassing append- 

 ages; and the tiny creature might well have 

 the free use of them from the moment of 

 leaving the egg, without going through the 

 primary larval stage. Not having seen for 

 myself, I merely mention the probable course 

 of things. 



One word more on comparative manners. 

 The Mantis goes in for battle and cannibal- 

 ism; the Empusa is peaceable and respects 

 her kind. To what cause are these profound 

 moral differences due, when the organic 

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