OUR BEETLE FRIENDS 221 



and gradually coarser and coarser material 

 for the exterior. So that when the frail little 

 larva emerges from the egg deposited in the 

 centre of the large ball, it finds itself surrounded 

 by nourishment already partially predigested, 

 and by the time this has been devoured, its 

 digestive organs have become sufficiently strong 

 to tackle a coarser diet. The balls of dung 

 which these beetles may be constantly seen 

 pushing over the surface of the ground with 

 such unceasing assiduity, never contain an egg, 

 and are intended solely for the purpose of pro- 

 viding a feast. It is a most interesting and 

 amusing sight to watch these remarkable insects 

 at their work upon a mass of dung. One of 

 them having got together sufficient material 

 starts away to roll its ball to a place of safety, 

 proceeding backwards and using its long hind 

 legs to propel the precious ball along. Should 

 its departure be observed, however, another 

 Scarab is pretty sure to leave its own partially 

 formed mass, and start off in pursuit. Catching 

 up with the rightful owner of the completed ball, 

 this rascal, whose sole object is to steal the pre- 

 cious mass away, or failing that, at least join in 

 the anticipated feast, proceeds to help in the work 

 of removal ; or should the owner show signs of 

 serious objection, will calmly sit on the ball, and, 

 holding tight, allow itself to be rolled along 

 with it. Many and ludicrous are the adventures 

 ere the desired spot where the banquetting 

 chamber is to be dug is reached. Should an 

 incline have to be surmounted, it is only accom- 

 plished with the greatest difficulty, and after 



