[The Wonders of Instinct by J. H. Fabre]@TWC D-Link book
The Wonders of Instinct

CHAPTER 8
19/46

My object is achieved in a quarter of an hour.

The closed circuit is realized magnificently, in something very nearly approaching a circle.
The next thing is to get rid of the rest of the ascending column, which would disturb the fine order of the procession by an excess of newcomers; it is also important that we should do away with all the silken paths, both new and old, that can put the cornice into communication with the ground.

With a thick hair-pencil I sweep away the surplus climbers; with a big brush, one that leaves no smell behind it--for this might afterwards prove confusing--I carefully rub down the vase and get rid of every thread which the caterpillars have laid on the march.

When these preparations are finished, a curious sight awaits us.
In the interrupted circular procession there is no longer a leader.
Each caterpillar is preceded by another on whose heels he follows guided by the silk track, the work of the whole party; he again has a companion close behind him, following him in the same orderly way.

And this is repeated without variation throughout the length of the chain.
None commands, or rather none modifies the trail according to his fancy; all obey, trusting in the guide who ought normally to lead the march and who in reality has been abolished by my trickery.
From the first circuit of the edge of the tub the rail of silk has been laid in position and is soon turned into a narrow ribbon by the procession, which never ceases dribbling its thread as it goes.


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