INSTINCT OF INSECTS. 469 



comb that bees fabricate were always made precisely 

 alike with the same general form, placed in the same 

 position, the cells all exactly similar, or where varying 

 with the variations always alike ; this structure would 

 perhaps in reality be not more astonishing than many of 

 a much simpler conformation. But when we know that 

 in nine instances out of ten the combs in a bee-hive are 

 thus similar in their properties, and yet that in the tenth 

 one shall be found of a form altogether peculiar ; placed 

 in a different position ; with cells of a different shape 

 and all these variations evidently adapted to some new 

 circumstance not present when the other nine were con- 

 structed, we are constrained to admit that nothing in 

 the instinct of other animals can be adduced, exhibiting 

 similar exquisiteness : just as we must confess an ordinary 

 loom, however ingeniously contrived, far excelled by one 

 capable of repairing its defects when out of order. 



The examples of this variation and accommodation to 

 circumstances among insects are very numerous ; and as 

 presenting many interesting facts in their history not be- 

 fore related, I shall not fear wearying you with a pretty 

 copious detail of them, beginning with the more simple. 



It is the instinct of Geotrupes vernalis to roll up pel- 

 lets of dung, in each of which it deposits one of its eggs ; 

 and in places where it meets with cow- or horse-dung 

 only, it is constantly under the necessity of having re- 

 course to this process. But in districts where sheep are 

 kept, this beetle wisely saves its labour, and ingeniously 

 avails itself of the pellet-shaped balls ready made to its 

 hands which the excrement of these animals supplies a . 



A caterpillar described by Bonnet, which from being 



* Sturm, Dcutschlands Fauna, i. 27. 



