91 



The sexton beetle is a very interesting species. Its 

 peculiar habit of burying dead bodies which it finds, 

 gives it its -name. When one of these bugs finds the 

 dead body of a bird or frog it immediately proceeds to 

 remove the dirt from beneath it, and if the body should 

 prove too great for its strength it goes in search of 

 others of its kind, when they all turn in and work 

 very diligently until the burial is completed. 



Some beetles are as large as walnuts. The wing 

 covers are sometimes ridged or grooved; the legs are 

 strong, and the feelers or antenna3 are sometimes tip- 

 ped with a small knob. If anyone wishes to see a 

 number of bugs of all sizes and colors just turn up a 

 board that has been lying on the ground for some time 

 and your curiosity will be satisfied. They will be seen 

 skipping in various directions. 



The fire-fly which is so common with us is another 

 interesting specimen, though more of a bug than a fly. 

 They may be considered as part of the summer scenery 

 for there is scarcely an evening but it may be seen fly- 

 ing around emitting its bright light from under the 

 wings. 



Beetles and bugs are much sought for collections by 

 naturalists, as well as butterflies and moths. Some of 

 the most beautiful come from the old world, although 

 America can well boast of her possessions in this line. 

 There is a small beetle well known to cabinet owners, 

 for it creates disaster among his collection of stuffed 

 birds or animals; and eggs also, do not escape this little 

 destroyer, for he eats the inside skin and part of the 

 shell, so that the remainder will soon collapse. This 

 bug is not much larger than a pin head, and most 



