374 HISTORY OF 



Of the Beetle there are various kinds ; all, however, concur- 

 ring in one common formation of having cases to their wings, 

 which are the more necessary to those insects, as they often live 

 under the surface of the earth, in holes which they dig out by 

 their own industry. These cases prevent the various injuries 

 their real wings might sustain, by rubbing or crushing against 

 the sides of their abode. These, though they do not assist 

 flight, yet keep the internal wings clean and even, and produce a 

 loud buzzing noise when the animal rises in the air. 



If we examine the formation of all animals of the beetle kind, 

 we shall find, as in shell-fish, that their bones are placed exter- 

 nally, and their muscles within. These muscles are formed very 

 much like those of quadrupeds, and are endued with such sur- 

 prising strength, that, bulk for bulk, they are a thousand times 

 stronger than those of a man. — The strength of these muscles is 

 of use in digging the animal's subterraneous abode, where it is 

 most usually hatched, and to which it most frequently returns, 

 even after it becomes a winged insect, capable of flying. 



Beside the difference which results from the shape and colour 

 of these animals, the size also makes a considerable one ; some 

 beetles being not larger than the head of a pin, while others, 

 such as the elephant beetle, are as big as one's fist. But the 

 gieatest difTereiice among them is, that some are produced in a 

 month, and in a single season go through all the stages of their 

 existence ; while others take near four years to their production, 

 and live as winged insects a year more. To give the history of 

 all these animals, that are bred pretty much in the same way, 

 would be insipid and endless ; it will suffice to select one or two 

 from the number, the origin of which may serve as specimens of 

 the rest. I will, therefore, ofi'er the history of the May-bug to 

 the reader's attention ; premising that most other beetles, though 

 not so long lived, are bred in the same manner. 



The May-bug, or dorr-beetle, as some call it, has, like all the 

 rest, a pair of cases to its wings, which are of a reddish brown 

 colour, sprinkled with a whitish dust, which easily comes ofl^. 

 In some years their necks are seen covered with a red plate, and 

 in others with a black ; these, however, are distinct sorts, and 

 their difference is by no means accidental. The fore-legs are 

 very short, and the better calculated for burrowing in the ground, 

 where this insect makes its retreat. It is well known, for it^ 



