The Sacred Beetle and Others 



blunt end of a pencil, making a hole a third 

 of an inch deep. I instal a newly-hatched 

 Copris-grub in it. The youngster has not 

 yet taken the least refreshment. It is lodged 

 in a cell which in no respect differs from the 

 rest of the mass. There is no creamy coat- 

 ing, whether disgorged by the mother or 

 merely oozing through. What will result 

 from this change of quarters? 



Nothing untoward. The larva develops 

 and thrives quite as well as in its native cell. 

 Therefore, when I first started, I was the 

 victim of an illusion. The delicate wash 

 which nearly always covers the egg-chamber 

 in the Dung-beetles' work is simply an exuda- 

 tion. The grub may be all the better for it, 

 when taking its first mouthfuls; but it is not 

 indispensable. To-day's experiment confirms 

 the fact. 



The grub subjected to this test was put 

 into an open pit. Things cannot remain in 

 this condition. The absence of ceiling is irk- 

 some to the young larva, which loves dark- 

 ness and tranquillity. How will It set to 

 work to build its roof? The mortar-trowel 

 cannot be used as yet, for materials are lack- 

 ing in the knapsack which so far has done 

 no digesting. 



Novice though it be, the little grub has 



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