The Sloe-Weevil 
a glass tube, sealed at one end by the blow- 
pipe. I divide them one from the other by 
means of cork partitions, so as to allow each 
a cell comparable in capacity with the natural 
lodging. Thus stocked, the tube receives a 
first-rate cork covered with a layer of sealing- 
wax. It is absolutely closed. No gaseous 
exchanges are possible between the inside and 
the outside; and each larva is strictly limited 
to the small quantity of atmosphere which I 
have meted out to it approximately, accord- 
ing to the capacity of the underground cells. 
‘Similar tubes are prepared, some with 
Cetonia-grubs taken from the shells in which 
they were awaiting metamorphosis and 
others with nymphs of the same species. 
What will become of these various prisoners, 
whose life is latent, suspended, demanding 
a minimum of ventilation? 
The sight that greets my eyes a fortnight 
later is conclusive. My tubes contain only a 
horrible mess of corpses. Evaporation was 
impossible; no fresh air came to cleanse the 
premises and vivify the larve and nymphs; 
and all have perished, all'have become putrid. 
The casket of the sloe, despite its air-tight 
condition, is not so close a receptacle as my 
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