INSECT “ BLIGHTS AND BLESSINGS.” 133 
horse (Ocypus olens) (fig. 29), for which most useful insect 
few folk could be found 
to speak a good word. 
Well, according to 
some, appearances are 
against it; and the 
very idea of watching 
such a “ horrid crea¬ 
ture ” is quite enough 
to stamp one a lunatic. 
I have frequently kept 
these proud, assertive 
insects, and have been 
much edified by watch¬ 
ing their habits. Their 
valour is something to 
be proud of, and they 
are exceedingly proud, 
and—lacking a nose— 
they turn their tail up 
in the most graceful 
manner. I have seen one with open jaws face a snarling 
kitten, and a too in¬ 
quisitive dog of mine 
took the liberty of smell¬ 
ing one, with the result 
that it was sent away in 
fright, with the Devil’s 
Coach-horse fast on his 
nose. All City men ought 
to be grateful to this 
“ blessing,” for its favourite 
food is the Cabbage Cater¬ 
pillar, many of which it 
prevents from reaching a 
not uncommon resting- 
place for them, viz., the 
table. It is exceedingly 
fond of Earwigs, too ; in 
fact many “ pests ” are kept in check by this noble insect. 
Fig. 27. 
