The Sacred Beetle 



the ball, head down or up, and to push with 

 its hind- or fore-legs, as the case may be. 

 Finally the ball drops to the ground, unless 

 we have used too long a pin. The gash 

 made by our stake is repaired more or less 

 and the carting of the precious pellet is at 

 once resumed. 



But, should the pin really be too long, then 

 the ball, which remains firmly fixed, ends by 

 being suspended at a height above that of 

 the insect's full stature. In that case, after 

 vain evolutions around the unconquerable 

 greased pole, the Dung-beetles throw up the 

 sponge, unless we are sufficiently kind-hearted 

 to finish the work ourselves and restore their 

 treasure to them. Or again we can help 

 them by raising the floor with a small flat 

 stone, a pedestal from the top of which it is 

 possible for the Beetle to continue his labours. 

 Its use does not appear to be immediately 

 understood, for neither of the two is in any 

 hurry to take advantage of it. Nevertheless, 

 by accident or design, one or other at last 

 finds himself on the stone. Oh, joy! As he 

 passed, he felt the ball touch his back. At 

 that contact, courage returns ; and his efforts 

 begin once more. Standing on his helpful 

 platform, the Scarab stretches his joints, 

 rounds his shoulders, as one might say, and 

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