The Sisyphus: the Instinct of Paternity 



has been formed. It will turn black as it 

 dries. 



What has happened? The larva has 

 made a temporary breach in the wall of its 

 shell; and through the ventilator, which is 

 still covered with a thin veil, it has excreted 

 the superfluous cement which it was unable 

 to use indoors. It has evacuated through 

 the wall. The window deliberately opened 

 in no way affects the safety of the grub, as 

 it is at once closed and hermetically sealed 

 with the base of the spout, which is com- 

 pressed by a stroke of the trowel. With 

 a stopper so quickly placed in position the 

 food will keep fresh however many holes 

 are made In the body of the pear. There is 

 no danger of the dry air entering. 



The Sisyphus also seems to be aware of 

 the peril which later, in torrid weather, 

 would threaten her tiny pear, buried at so 

 slight a depth. She Is a very early arrival. 

 She works in April and May, when the 

 atmosphere is mild. In the first fortnight 

 of July, before the terrible dog-days have 

 arrived, her family burst their shells and go 

 in search of the heap that will furnish them 

 with board and lodging during the scorching 

 time of the year. Then comes the brief 

 spell of autumn revelry, followed by the 



353 



