The Broad-necked Scarab 



33 millimetres in length and 24 millimetres 

 across their greatest width.^ Let us drop 

 figures and admit that the dumpy modeller, 

 with her slow and awkward ways, is the 

 artistic rival or even the superior of her 

 famous kinswoman. I expected to see some 

 clumsy apprentice; I find a consummate 

 artificer. We must not judge people by 

 appearances; it is a wise maxim, even when 

 applied to insects. 



If we examine the pot somewhat earlier, 

 it will tell us how the pear is made. I find 

 sometimes a perfectly round ball and a pear 

 without any traces of the original pill; some- 

 times a ball only, with a nearly hemispherical 

 remnant of the pill, a lump from which the 

 materials subjected to modelling have been 

 detached in one piece. The method of 

 work can be deduced from these facts. 



The pill which the Scarab fashions on the 

 surface of the soil by taking armfuls from 

 the heap encountered is but a temporary 

 piece of work, which is given a round form 

 with the sole object of facilitating its 

 transport. He gives his attention to it, no 

 doubt, but is not unduly anxious about it; 

 all that he wants is that the journey should 



1 1.28 X .93 inch. — Translator's Note. 

 167 



