The Sense of Smell 



sect would notice effluvia so subtle, not even 

 the smell of a truffle. To make an impression 

 at a great distance, powerful odours are 

 needed, capable of perception by our olfac- 

 tory sense. Then the exploiters of the odor- 

 ous thing come hastening up on all sides from 

 afar. 



When, for the purpose of my studies, I 

 require insects that dissect corpses, I expose 

 a dead Mole in the sun, in a distant corner of 

 the enclosure. As soon as the animal swells, 

 distended by the gases of putrefaction, and 

 the skin begins to turn green and the fur 

 to fall from it, up come numbers of Silphae 1 

 and Dermestes, 2 Necrophori 3 and other Bury- 

 ing-beetles, of whom one would find not a 

 single specimen in the garden, or even in the 

 neighbourhood, without this bait. 



They have been informed by their sense 

 of smell, at a great distance all around, 

 whereas I myself can avoid the stench by ta- 

 king a few steps back. Compared with their 

 scent, mine is contemptible; but still, in their 



1 Carrion-beeJtles proper. Translator's Note. 

 2 Bacon-beetles. Translator's Note. 

 3 Burying-beetles proper. Translator's Note. 



319 



