COLEOPTEROUS INSECTS. 
195 
the exposition of its virtues and uses both to our 
minds and bodies. This invaluable beetle, accord- 
ing to the author of that work, stimulates us to the 
acquisition of every good quality ; for although no- 
thing but a crust, it yet surpasses us in numerous 
virtues, and invites us to modesty, temperance, la- 
bour, magnanimity, justice, and prudence: “etiamsi 
nihil sit nisi crustum, variis tamen virtutibus nos 
vincit, et ad modestiam, temperantiam, laborem, 
magnanimitatem, justitiam, prudentiamque incitat 
atque impellit.” It teaches us humility by living 
contented in its stercorareous abodes, and delight- 
ing in them more than in the perfume of roses! 
So fortunate is it in renewing its youth every year, 
that there can be little doubt that man himself 
would willingly share in its privileges ! It is guilty 
of no crime in using the dung of animals for its own 
purposes, since agriculturists and others do the 
same, and probably were led to the practice by ob- 
serving the scarabaeus! We greatly err if we despise 
the animal for employing this material ; for so 
highly was it esteemed in ancient times, that, ac- 
cording to the testimony of Macrobius, the term 
Sterculeus was given to Saturn as an honorary cog- 
nomen ! &c. — The medical virtues of this admir- 
able insect are eulogized in a similar strain, and 
several recipes are given, which are said to have 
been of wonderful efficacy. 
These insects are frequently alluded to by ancient 
authors under the various names of Coprion, Can - 
