39 
being moved off to its subterraneous receptacle; for it may 
be remarked, that, even if the ground should be equally fit 
for their purpose, they never lodge it near the mass from 
which it was severed; but, invariably, roll it away to a con- 
siderable distance; actuated, as I should conjecture, by fear 
of their own species, lest they should deposit their ova in it. 
Their method of moving the ball, is, in itself, singular, and 
may have been the unsuspected cause of much learned specu- 
lation. The insect rests its head and fore legs on the ground, 
and pushing with its hind legs against the ball, gives it a pro- 
gressive motion, while its own is strictly retrograde; and 
thus, regardless of all obstacles, trundles it on, beyond the 
reach of observation, then makes a hole for it, some inches 
deep in the sand, and covers it over. 
* Though these insects labour with uncommon assiduity 
when they do begin, I could observe that some of them pre- 
ferred the piratical to the mechanical mode of acquiring proper- 
ty; and witnessed many a warm scuffle with these marauders, 
that endeavoured to get possession of the finished balls of 
their neighbours, instead of carving for themselves. As their 
system of attack and defence is, however, such as gives the 
possessor of the ball a considerable advantage, fortune, 
in these engagements, usually sides with justice. As soon 
as the robber has fixed his eye on a ball that hits his fancy, 
he alights within a short distance, and having folded his 
wings under the sheath, pushes straight for it. The other, 
instantly taking the alarm, posts himself on the top of the 
object in dispute; and as soon as his antagonist comes within 
reach, gives him, by a certain movement of his head, a chuck 
under the chin, that pitches him, heels over head, to the 
distance of ten or twelve inches. After a few rounds of this 
sort, he walks off, satisfied that nothing is to be gained by 
continuing the combat. 
* One evening, it was, I think, about the middle of May, as 
we sat enjoying ourselves after dinner, we observed a number 
of flies, of an uncommon aspect, flitting past the tent. . We 
started up and endeavoured to catch one of them, . but without 
effect. Some Hottentot children, who were standing on an 
