The third
was out, and by its smaller size, brighter markings and broad antennae
we knew it was a male. His `antlers' were much wider than those of
the first two, and where their markings were pink, his were so vivid
as to be almost red, and he was very furry. He had, in fact, almost
twice as much long hair as the others, so he undoubtedly was a male,
but he was not sufficiently advanced to pose with the females, and
I was in doubt as to the wisest course to pursue.
"Hurry him up!" suggested Molly-Cotton. "Tie a string across
the window and hang him in the sunshine. I'll bring a fan, and
stir the air gently.'
This plan seemed feasible, and when the twine was ready, I lifted
his twig to place it in the new location. The instant I touched
his resting-place and lifted its weight from the twine both females
began ejecting a creamy liquid. They ruined the frescoing behind
them, as my first Cecropia soiled the lace curtain when I was smaller
than Molly-Cotton at that time. We tacked a paper against the wall
to prevent further damage.
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