^fy COLEOPTERA. 
hucy. How can the antennae, be both 
clavated and fissile ? 
Mother, They are club shaped, but 
the club is divided lengthwise, like the 
stick of a fan, and these the creature can 
either keep folded together, or spread 
out. 
Lucy. I perceive. 
Mother, There are more than eighty 
species of scarabseoides, or beetles ; but 
from this great number 1 will select a few 
to describe. 
The scarabceus carnifex*, though not 
larger than a common sized beetle, is so 
strong as to move an astonishing weight. 
If you place one of them under the hol- 
low foot of a tall candlestick, this little 
animal will move it from side to side, as 
if pushed by an invisible hand. 
Lucy, Are these beetles pretty ? 
Mother. No, they are of a dull black 
colour, and more curious than beautiful ; 
but their great strength is given for use- 
* Executioner, 
