THE SCARAB^US. 95 



beetle of our own country. This insect sets to work in a 

 curiously systematic manner. 



As soon as the sensitive organs of the Scarabaeus announce 

 to it that the desired substance is at hand, it proceeds to the 

 spot, alights, and sets at once to work. First, it sinks a 

 tolerably deep and perpendicular hole in the ground, and, 

 having returned to the cow- dung, it separates a sufficient quan- 

 tity for its purpose, lays an egg in it, and forms it into a rude 

 ball. She, for the female insect is the worker, then begins a 

 curious and laborious task. Seizing the ball between her hind 

 feet, she begins to roll it about in the hot sunshine, not taking 

 it direct to the shaft which she has sunk, but remaining near 



COCOONS OF SCARAB^US AND GOLIATH. 



the spot. Should rain come on she ceases to roll, or should 

 the ball be made just before sunset, she waits for the morning 

 before recommencing her labour. The consequence of all this 

 curious rolling about, is twofold ; it accelerates the hatching of 

 the enclosed egg by the exposure to the sunbeams, and it 

 forms a thin, hard, clay-hke crust round the soft material in 

 which the egg reposes. 



When the ball is sufficiently rolled, it is taken to the hole, 

 dropped down and the earth filled in. The egg is very soon 



