82 .MUSK-BEETLE. 



not of musk, but roses, which the Musk -beetle always carries 

 about him, and at times scatters around him with more than 

 usual prodigality. So powerfully, in warm weather, is this 

 scent emitted, that the air in the neighbourhood of an old 

 willow tree (one of their favourite resorts) has been described 

 as laden with it ; and a box wherein one of these insects had 

 been confined was said to have given evidence of the prisoner's 

 sweet presence for six weeks after his release. 



The usual food of this willow-beetle is, we believe, the 

 sap of its favourite tree ; but one is recorded to have been 

 found regaling on a ripe gooseberry, a fruit which would, no 

 doubt, therefore, be received with acceptance from the hands 

 of a gentle keeper. 



Taking a July ramble through the woods or lanes of some 

 of our southern counties Essex, Kent, and Hants especially 

 it is more than probable that we may fall in with a gigantic 

 forester, clad from top to toe in blackish mail, with head 

 broader than his shoulders, and jaws, armed with formidable 

 teeth, longer than his head. 



" Oh ! the horrifying monster !" exclaims, with a shudder, 

 one of our lady-readers. " You can never, Mr. Cricket, 

 intend to add a Caliban like this to your list of pretenders to 

 our favour." " Most assuredly, dear Madam, we have intro- 

 duced him for the very purpose. Monster, as you call him, 

 he is one of the most harmless and gentle in the world. Aye, 

 and playful in the bargain. Only give heed, we prythee, to 



