The Spanish Copris: the Eggs 



the permanent dwelling is of larger dimen- 

 sions and much more carefully built. 



I suspect that both sexes have a share in 

 this architectural masterpiece; at least, I 

 often come upon the pair in the burrows 

 destined for the laying of the eggs. The 

 roomy and luxurious apartment was no doubt 

 once the wedding-hall; the marriage was 

 consummated under the mighty dome in the 

 building of which the lover had cooperated: 

 a gallant way of declaring his passion. I 

 also suspect him of lending his partner 

 a hand with the collecting and storing 

 of the provisions. From what I have 

 gathered, he too, strong as he is, shares 

 in this finicking work, collects his arni- 

 fuls and descends into the crypt. It is 

 a quicker job when there are two to help. 

 But, once the home is well stocked, he retires 

 discreetly, makes his way back to the surface 

 and goes and settles down elsewhere, leaving 

 the mother to her delicate task. His part in 

 the family-mansion is ended. 



Now what do we find in this mansion, to 

 which we have seen so many tiny loads of 

 provisions lowered? A mass of small 

 pieces, heaped together anyhow? Not a bit 

 of it. I always find a single lump, a huge 

 loaf which fills the dwelling except for a 

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