Now the question arises: What is the object of these musical orgies?
The reply seems obvious: they are the call of the males inviting their mates; they constitute a lovers' cantata.
I am going to consider this reply, which is certainly a very natural one.

For thirty years the common Cigale and his unmusical friend the _Cacan_ have thrust their society upon me.

For two months every summer I have them under my eyes, and their voice in my ears.

If I do not listen to them very willingly I observe them with considerable zeal.

I see them ranged in rows on the smooth rind of the plane-trees, all with their heads uppermost, the two sexes mingled, and only a few inches apart.
The proboscis thrust into the bark, they drink, motionless.