39 



being moved oiF 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 



