CHAPTER XV 
THE CIONUS 
N insect, well known to every one, is 
often but a stupid creature, while an- 
other, of which nothing is known, is of real 
value. When endowed with talents worthy 
of attention, it passes unrecognized; when 
richly clad and of handsome appearance, it is 
familiar to us. We judge it by its coat and 
its size, as we judge our neighbour by the 
fineness of his clothing and the importance 
of the position which he fills. The rest 
does not count. 
Of course, if it is to be honoured by the 
historian, it is best that the insect should 
enjoy popular renown. This saves the 
reader trouble, as he at once knows precisely 
what we are speaking of; furthermore, it 
shortens the story, which is not hampered 
by long and tedious descriptions. More- 
over, if size facilitates observation, if ele- 
gance of shape and brilliance of costume 
306 
