THE BEETLES. 349 



When this was done, it went down again, and disappeared 

 between the roots of the heather, as though seeking new 

 prey. The observer now examined the twig, and convinced 

 himself that the beetle had not only chosen the most suitable 

 twig for hanging up its food, but had also managed the sus- 

 pension in the most suitable way. For a sharp shake of the 

 twig did not make Jhe spider fall down. " Who will now," 

 adds Mr. Berkeley, " deny to the brain of the insect the 

 power of reflexion or of judgment ? The beetle thought that 

 if it did not hang up its prey, it might fall into the hands 

 of other hunters, and therefore took all possible pains to find 

 out the best store-room for it." 



