The Glow-Worm and Other Beetles 



digging-Implement and also a scalpel for dis- 

 secting. The insect's squat, sturdy, four- 

 cornered build resembles that of Onitis 

 Olivieri, one of the rarities of the neighbour- 

 hood of Montpellier. 



If similarity of shape implied purity of 

 work, we ought unhesitatingly to attribute to 

 Phanaus Milon short, thick puddings like 

 those made by Olivier's Onitis.^ Alas, 

 structure is a bad guide where instinct is con- 

 cerned! The square-chined, short-legged 

 Dung-beetle excels in the art of manufactur- 

 ing gourds. The Sacred Beetle herself sup- 

 plies none that are more correctly shaped nor, 

 above all, more capacious. 



The thickset insect astonishes me with the 

 elegance of its work, which is Irreproachable 

 in its geometry: the neck is shorter, but never- 

 theless combines grace with strength. The 

 model seems derived from some Indian cala- 

 bash, the more so as It has an open mouth 

 and the belly Is engraved with an elegant 

 engine-turned pattern, produced by the in- 

 sect's tarsi. One seems to see a pitcher pro- 

 tected by a wickerwork covering. The 



1 1 owe this detail on the work of Olivier's Onitis to a 

 note and a sketch communicated by Professor Valery- 

 Mayer, of the Montpellier School of Agriculture. — 

 Author's Note. 



250 



