The Life of the Weevil 
Things do not drag on so very long. 
Two days after these preparations, I arrive 
at the exact moment when the work begins. 
The mother, larger than the male and 
supplied with a longer drill, is inspecting her 
acorn, no doubt in view of the eggs. 
She goes over it step by step, from tip 
to stem, above and below. Walking is easy 
on the wrinkled cup; it would be imprac- 
ticable on the rest of the surface if the soles 
of her feet were not shod with clinging 
pattens, with brushes which enable her to 
keep her balance in any position. Without 
tripping or stumbling, therefore, the insect 
walks with equal ease, over the top or bottom 
or up the sides of her slippery pedestal. 
The choice is made; the acorn is recog- 
nized as being of good quality. The time 
has come to sink the hole. The rod is 
dificult to wield, because of its excessive 
length. To obtain the best mechanical 
effect, the instrument must be held at right 
angles to the convex surface; and the cum- 
brous tool which, out of working-hours, 
projects in front of the worker must now be 
brought under her. 
To achieve this object, the Weevil raises 
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