116 MY LIFE AS A NATURALIST 



but it was full of interest. The female appeared to ignore the 

 overtures of the antlered male, and, at last, out of sheer despera- 

 tion, the male caught hold of the former and carried her away 

 triumphant. 



To see a large Stag Beetle in flight is an entertaining experi- 

 ence, and, when witnessed for the first time, makes a lasting 

 impression. One day I saw a Long-eared Bat battling with 



some creature in mid-air. The 

 combat lasted for several minutes, 

 but it was not until a battered 

 Stag Beetle fell at my feet, still 

 alive but thoroughly exhausted, 

 that I was made aware of the 

 cause of the Bat's encounter. 



The Cocktail Beetle, or Devil's 

 Coach Horse as it is also called, 

 never fails to engage my atten- 

 tion when it scuttles across my 

 path, and sometimes I am fortu- 

 nate enough to watch a company 

 of Sexton Beetles interring the 

 dead body of a mammal, or bird, 

 with an untiring energy, which, 

 for insect folk, is really extra- 

 ordinary. These must be reckoned 

 among the sanitary agents of the 

 countryside, and it is certainly 

 true that much of Nature's hygiene 

 is due to their industrious efforts. 

 But, perhaps, of all the insect 



legions that populate earth, air, and water, the fascinating 

 tenants of the nearest stream, or wayside pond, can be studied 

 to best advantage, as they can be kept in an aquarium, and are 

 thus under constant observation. 



Although he must be kept by himself, owing to carnivorous 

 tendencies, the Great Water Beetle (Dytiscus marginalis) is a 

 source of great interest. This species makes itself quite at 

 home in captivity, but precaution is necessary, as unless the top 

 of the receptacle containing the specimen is covered with small 

 mesh gauze, escape is most likely to take place. Having wings, 

 this predatory creature of our ponds and streams can fly through 

 the air, and, being peculiarly well adapted to an aquatic life, it 



