86 
A NATURALIST ON THE PROWL. 
of weapon with which the other may be hurt. Under 
these conditions a very high degree of courage is possible, 
and the frantic valour of these beetles affords quite a 
spectacle. How they bump against each other and hustle 
each other! Then they get on opposite sides of the ball, 
and each tries to roll it her own way. But the usurper 
is fresh, while the rightful owner is wearied with toil, 
so she gives in at last and walks slowly away, a sense 
of wrong rankling in her bosom. But there is no appeal 
for her against the law — - 
<{ That he should take who has the power, 
And he should keep who can.” 
She will right herself, no doubt, by plundering some 
weaker beetle. But sometimes a better spirit prevails, 
and two or three beetles enter into partnership to roll a 
joint ball. Then you shall see a ball indeed. 
It is intensely interesting to watch these little creatures 
toiling so industriously to make provision for their 
children, which will never know them or requite their 
care. But there is a far deeper interest in the thing. 
Soar above the individual beetle and its private ends, and 
contemplate all the myriads of beetles scattered over the 
face of the country, working together to carry out a great 
