216 THE WORLD'S LUMBER Roozr. 



perate climates, where the slow rate at which decomposition 

 proceeds makes their services especially valuable. 



Many feed both on animal and vegetable matter, especi- 



Fig. 43. BURYING BEETLES. 



ally on fungi in a state of decay, and their numbers are so 

 vast that we can mention only a few of the most active. 

 Foremost among them are the Sexton, or burying beetles, 

 whose scent is so keen that they come from great distances 

 to find their food. (Fig. 43.) 



