CHAPTER I 



THE FABLE OF THE CICADA AND THE ANT 



T^AME is built up mainly of legend; in the 

 *? animal world, as in the world of men, 

 the story takes precedence of history. In- 

 sects in particular, whether they attract our 

 attention in this way or in that, have their 

 fair share in a folk-lore which pays but little 

 regard to truth. 



For instance, who does not know the 

 Cicada, at least by name? Where, in the 

 entomological world, can we find a renown 

 that equals hers? Her reputation as an 

 inveterate singer, who takes no thought for 

 the future, has formed a 'subject for our 

 earliest exercises in repetition. In verses 

 that are very easily learnt, she is shown to 

 us, when the bitter winds begin to blow, 

 quite destitute and hurrying to her neigh- 

 bour, the Ant, to announce her hunger. 

 The would-be borrower meets with a poor 



