The Bull Onthophagus: the Cell 



plastic product at once attracts the custom of 

 the Onthophagi, who are just as dainty 

 epicures as the Sacred Beetle, the Copris or 

 the Sisyphus. If, however, the ovine pot- 

 tage be lacking, they fall back upon the 

 coarser lump of the Mule, with the aid of a 

 scrupulous selection. 



There is no difficulty about bringing up 

 Onthophagi. A spacious vivarium that 

 lends itself to frolicsome sports is not necess- 

 ary here; it would even be inconvenient and 

 would not favour close observation, because 

 of the tumult prevailing in a numerous and 

 varied crowd. I prefer a number of 

 separate establishments, simpler and smaller, 

 which I can carry into my private work- 

 room. They will lend themselves better to 

 assiduous inspection, without putting me to 

 the trouble of digging. What receptacles 

 shall I choose? 



There are certain glass pots fitted with a 

 tin lid which you screw over their mouths. 

 They are used for honey, preserved fruits, 

 jam, jelly and similar products dear to the 

 heart of materfamilias when the winter 

 scarcity sets in. I procure a dozen of these 

 by clearing the cupboard in which the pre- 

 serves are kept. They hold, on the average, 

 about a pint and three-quarters. 

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