268 FIELD, FOREST AND FARM 



they are not likely to excite suspicion, being easily 

 mistakable from the edge of the excavation for some 

 stray bits of dead leaves. 



"These preparations completed, the insect lies in" 

 wait, perfectly motionless. Its patience and its hun- 

 ger are subjected to prolonged trial. Hours and 

 even days pass with no sign of game. Alas, how 

 difficult it is in this world even for an ant-lion to 

 win its mouthful of bread! 



"But at last there comes an ant, on business bent 

 that takes it into these parts. Preoccupied with 

 its own concerns, it takes no heed of the pitfall. 

 Hardly has it approached the edge of the chasm 

 when the sand, which is extremely unstable, gives 

 way under the little creature's feet. There is a land- 

 slide, and with it down tumbles the incautious ant. 

 In mid-course it succeeds by desperate efforts in ar- 

 resting its descent. It struggles to regain the upper 

 level; its tiny claws, trembling with fear, catch as 

 best they may at the roughness of the slope ; but as 

 soon as touched these supports yield, and the down- 

 rush begins anew with irresistible impetus. 



"One grain of sand, more firmly planted than the 

 rest, offers some resistance. Perhaps safety will be 

 found in this point of support if it continues to with- 

 stand the strain. It holds firm, surely enough. The 

 ant climbs up a little, heedful of its steps for fear of 

 precipitating another slide. It has almost gained 

 the edge of the excavation and seems about to find 

 its feet once more on firm ground. Will it indeed 

 escape scot-free? 



