TWO MOTHER MASONS 105 



larva, forms this channel of refuge. At the least sign 

 of peril in the heap of caterpillars, the larva retreats 

 into its sheath and climbs to the roof, where the writh- 

 ing mob cannot reach it. When quiet is restored, 

 it creeps down its tube and commences eating agaia, 

 with head lowered upon the food and the abdomen 

 aloft ready for retreat upward. 



" Third and last act : strength has been attained ; 

 the larva is sufficiently vigorous to be no longer afraid 

 of the movements of the heap of caterpillars. They, 

 on the other hand, eaten into by the larva, attenuated 

 by the long torpor, are less able to defend themselves. 

 The perils of the tender newly born are succeeded by 

 the security of robust adolescence ; and the larva dis- 

 daining thereafter its ascension sheath lets itself down 

 on its remaining food. Thus it banquets afterwards in 

 the ordinary manner of its family." 



Our emotions upon reading these revelations of the 

 drama that takes place in the Eumenes cell depend 

 upon whether our sympathies are with the wasp or 

 the caterpillars. However, in studying the histories 

 of animals, we had best start out with the cheerful 

 theory that a " square meal " is due to any creature that 

 is strong enough or cunning enough to get it ; and that 

 it is a futile waste of sensibilities to sympathize with the 

 meal. 



