CHAPTER IX 



THE GOLDEN GARDENER. — COURTSHIP 



It is generally recognized that the Carabus auratus is 

 an active exterminator of caterpillars ; on this account 

 in particular it deserves its title of Gardener Beetle ; it 

 is the vigilant policeman of our kitchen-gardens, our 

 flower-beds and herbaceous borders. If my inquiries 

 add nothing to its established reputation in this respect, 

 they will nevertheless, in the following pages,- show the 

 insect in a light as yet unsuspected. The ferocious beast 

 of prey, the ogre who devours all creatures that are not 

 too strong for him, is himself killed and eaten : by his 

 fellows, and by many others. 



Standing one day in the shadow of the plane-trees that 

 grow before my door, I see a Golden Gardener go by 

 as if on pressing business. The pilgrim is well met ; 

 he will go to swell the contents of my vivarium. In 

 capturing him I notice that the extremities of the wing- 

 covers are slightly damaged. Is this the result of a 

 struggle between rivals ? There is nothing to tell me. 

 The essential thing is that the insect should not be 

 handicapped by any serious injury. Inspected, and 



found to be without any serious wound and fit for 



ui 



