Let us wish her good luck, and sure feet, careful not to slip, and proceed.
On this occasion all goes well, but so slowly that the descent of the drill, even when amplified by the magnifying-glass, cannot be perceived.
The insect veers round perpetually, rests, and resumes her work.

An hour passes, two hours, wearying the observer by their sustained attention; for I wish to witness the precise moment when the beetle withdraws her drill, turns round, and deposits her egg in the mouth of the orifice.
This, at least, is how I foresee the event.
Two hours go by, exhausting my patience.

I call the household to my aid.
Three of us take turns, keeping an uninterrupted watch upon the persevering creature whose secret I intend at any cost to discover.
[Illustration: 1.

THE GREY LOCUST.
1'.

THE NERVATURES OF THE WING.
2.