The Sacred Beetle and Others 



At last the insect goes to the victuals. A 

 pellet is made in accordance with all the 

 rules. There is no apprenticeship: at the 

 first attempt, the spherical form is achieved 

 as accurately as after long practice. A 

 burrow is dug in which the bread just 

 kneaded may be eaten in peace. Here again 

 we find the novice thoroughly versed in his 

 art. No length of experience will add any- 

 thing to his talents. 



His digging-tools are his fore-legs and 

 shield. To shoot the rubbish outside, he uses 

 the barrow, exactly like any of his elders, 

 that is to say, he covers his corselet with a 

 load of earth; then, head downwards, he 

 dives into the dust, afterwards coming for- 

 ward and depositing his load a few inches 

 from the entrance. With a leisurely step, 

 like that of a navvy with a long job before 

 him, he goes underground again to reload 

 his barrow. This work upon the dining- 

 room takes whole hours to finish. 



At length the ball is stored away. The 

 front-door is shut; and the thing is done. 

 Bed and board secured, begone dull care! 

 All is for the best in the best of all possible 

 worlds. Lucky creature! Without ever 

 seeing it practised by your kindred, whom 

 you have not yet met, without ever learning 

 i6o 



