The history of four-footed beasts and serpents describing at large their true and lively figure, their several names, conditions, kinds, virtues ... countries of their breed, their love and hatred to mankind, and the wonderful work by Edward Topsell ; whereunto is now added, The theater of insects, or, Lesser living creatures ... by T. Muffet ...

CHAP. XXI.

Of Beetles.

THE Beetle is an Insect that may be called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as if he had his wings in a sheath. * 1.1 It is bred of putrid things and of dung, and it chiefly feeds and delights in that. The Greeks call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; the Tyrians, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; the Germans Kaefer; the Italians Escuravaio, Pololere; the French, Escarbot; the Polonians Krewka; the Illyrians Krabak; the English; Beetle, or Bug; the Northern English call it Klock; but the Southern, Starke••••eken; the Arabians, Kanasis and * 1.2 Kanases by Avicenna. The Greeks all with one consent, hold that all Beetles are males, whence one may easily understand the sense of Ausonius his Epigram upon Marcus that was gelded. Rhodiginus l. 8. c. 5. Antiq. lect. renders it to us. Also the Aegyptians caused a picture of this creature to be made on the statnes of their Heroes, intimating thereby their manhood, that had no mixture of feminine weakness; for men must be valiant and manly, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pu∣fillanimity is a great disgrace to them. All Beetles cast their skins, and they have no sting: when you touch them they are afraid, and they leave off to move, and they g〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉∣tus did vainly ascribe to them four wings hid under a crusty cover, for experience she 〈…〉〈…〉t two, very tender and frail, wherefore they have them shut up in a hard cover over 〈…〉〈…〉 them that they may take no hurt by hard bodies. For the greatest part of them either 〈◊〉〈◊〉 un∣der ground, or bites rotten wood with their teeth, and makes houses and nests there: so that if they were not excellent well guarded, they could never keep themselves safe from external injuries. When they fly they make such a humming or noise in the air, that Laertius writ that the gods talk with men by these creatures. Of all plants they cannot away with Rose trees, and they hate them as the destruction of their kinde; for they dye by the smell of them (as we read in Geopas) but on the contrary they take great pleasure in stinking and beastly places.

I remember one was wont to cleanse privies, when he came into an Apothecaries shop at Antwerp, and smelt the spices, he presently fell down in a swound, which one of the standers observing, he went and gathered up some horse dung in the street and put it to his nose, and so a man used to stinking smels was recovered by a stinking smell. Therefore it is no wonder if a Beetle (that we said before was bred and fed with dung) being anointed with oyl of Roses, be killed thereby; they are the words of Clemens Alexandrin. 2. Paedagog. which also Plu∣tarch elsewhere, and Aelian also affirm. They abhorre the smoke of Aldud, especially of the leaves as of Pulsamus, Acegi, Cow dung, and Nigella seed, Rhasis 88. The Hemerocallis of Dio∣scorides, is called by some 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, for the great force it hath to kill Beetles: but as they do extremely shun those plants, so they very much affect Ivy to be under its shade, and they naturally delight to go under it, under which when they are gathered in heaps, it is an easie mat∣ter to catch them, for they will hardly go from it. Beetles are some greater, some less. The great ones, some have horns, others are without horns. Those that have horns, some are like Harts horns, others like Goats horns, others have Buls horns, others have Rams horns: some have horns in their noses: we shall speak of them all in order. The 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉▪ or Harts horn Beetle is called Lucanus by Nigidius; as Pliny witnesseth. Some call it the Bull, others the flying Stag: Hefychius cals it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because it laies hold on things in its way with thorny horns; the Comedian and Eustathius call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because it is the greatest of all; Car∣danus cals it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a word compounded of Greek and Latin; Gaza cals it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Ita∣lians call it C••reti, and vulgarly Polupeso; the French, Cerf volant; the English, Stag-fly, or Fly∣ing-fly; the Hollander, V••i••ghend•• hert; the Illyrians, Gelin; the Poles and Sclavomans Krewha, Wielka. Amongst all the horned Beetles, for the shape of its body, length and magnitude, it may challenge the first place, and is the most noted. It is blackish, of a dark red, especially about the outward cover and the breast; it hath two whole horns without joynts, and with bran∣ches like a stag as long as ones little finger in such as are grown up, but they are less and shor∣ter

in the young ones: or (as Pliny saith) it hath long

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and movable horns nicked with cloven p••ncers, and when it will it can bite or nip with them. For it will close them wonderfully, and useth its hornes for that end for which Crabs and Lobsters do their clawes. The eyes are hard, putting forth and whitish, it hath fore-yards on both sides of them, one pair that are branched between the horns & the eyes, the joynt whereof makes almost, a right angle, and two more breaking forth of the midst of the forehead straight and plain, ending as it were in a little smooth knot; it goes upon six feet, the fore feet are longer and greater than the rest. Lo∣nicerus makes this to be the male: but I (if there be any distinction between the male and the female) shall not doubt to call it the female; both because the other kindes of beetles are less, (for as Aristotle observes the males in Insects are far less than the female) and also in copulation the females receive from the lesser, as experience confirms it. The male is altogether like it, but 'tis less both for body and horns; which though they be not branched on both sides, yet pressed toge∣ther they do more sharply prick ones. finger, than the female doth. The third is three or four times less than the former: a black colour, with little cloven horns, near to which there arise two fore-yards distinguished with many joynts. It hath eyes a little standing forth, and that are great in respect of its body. The shoul∣ders on both sides end in an acute angle. It feeds for the most part in a clammy fat juyce coming forth of the oak; nor is it easily to be seen but where oakes grow. The fourth kinde is very rare, it hath two little horns, thrice branched inwardly, they seem whitish from black, the back is parted with black and white spots, but the belly with silver coloured and blew. It goes on six feet, which are no less black than the fore-yards: when the head is cut off, the other parts of the body live long, but the head (contrary to the usual custome of Insects) lives longer. This is said to be dedicated to the Moon, and the head and horns of it wax with the Moon, and do wane with the Moon, but it is the opinion of vain Astrologers. The horns are not without their Medicinal vertues; for they cure childrens diseases; for hanged about their necks, if they be great horns and full of branches, they serve for an Amulet. Laid to * 1.3 scrophulous humours and the Gout, they help much, especially if they be applied with the earth they have cast up. Pliny. If horned Beetles they call stags, be boyled in wine, and the arte∣ries of the armes be anointed with it, it cures Agues. Miraldus. But I note by the way, that Guillerinus of shell fish, was not very wise, who writing a Book of the Nature of things, was quite out, when he placed that flying Stag amongst the Grashoppers; sometimes he makes it a Locust, sometimes a Bruchus, sometimes he confounds it with a Glow-worm, conjecturing every way, but teaching nothing. The Philosopher saith that those Stag-flies are bred only from worms growing in rotten wood. But I rather approve of it, that they breed from dung as experience * 1.4 testifies. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (these are words that are synonymous) in Latine, Capricornus; the Germans call it Holtzback; the English, Goat-chafer; in greatness and colour it resembles broad-horn, it hath a little broad head, great oxe eyes, almost three fingers over-thwart

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in length; it hath a forked mouth, gaping and terrible, with two very hard crooked teeth; with these whilest he gnaws the wood, I speak by experience) it doth perfectly grunt aloud like a young pig. May be this is the reason why Hesychius hath related that they bound to a tree, will drive away fig-gnats. The shoulders of it are curiously wrought by nature, they seem to be a hilt made of Ebony and polished, it hath six feet, distinguished with three little knees; but they are very weak and faint, and altogether unfit for such a burden. These receive help by two horns that grow above their eyes, and are longer than their whole bodies, they are flexible with nine or ten joynts; not exactly round, but are rough like Goats horns, which although it can move them every way, yet when it flies it holds them only forth directly, and being wearied with flying, she useth them for feet: for knowing that his legs are weak, he twists his horns about the branch of a tree, and so he hangs at ease; as our Bruerus saw in the Countrey about Heidelberg; in that it resembles the Bird of Paradise, which wanting

feet, clings about the boughs with those pendulous nerves, and so being tired with labour, takes its ease. They thrust upon us some German fables, as many as say it flies only, and when it is weary it fals to the earth and presently dies. Those that are slaves to tales, render this reason for it: Terambus a Satyrist, did not abstain from quipping of the Muses, whereupon they trans∣formed him into a Beetle called Cerambyx, and that deservedly, to endure a double punishment, for he hath legs weak that he goes lamè, and like a thief he hangs on a tree. Antonius Libealis lib. 1. of his Metamorphosis relates the matter in these words: The Muses in anger transformed Terambus because he reproached them, and he was made a Cerambyx that feeds on wood, he is seen upon wood, and he hath crooked teeth, and he alwaies moves his jawes; he is black and long, having wings on his belly, as the greater Beetles have; he is called the Wood-eater Oxe; but in Thessaly, Cerambyx. The children catch them to play withall, and they pull off its head and carry it, and it shewes with the horns like a harp made of a Tortois-shell. Which words, whilest Xylander strove to put them into English (one otherwise well skill'd in the Greek tongue) he committed two great errors; first, by taking Cerambyx for a Bird when he called it a Fly; secondly, because he translated it, that the head with the wings are like a Harp, when as the Greek book hath it the horns. But whether this be that kinde of Beetle that runs up and down, and makes a noise like a kid in the leaves of Eriphia; (the Wizards say there is no better remedy to cure the voice) truly I am ignorant of it, but I suppose it is the lesser Beetle, because the stalk of Fennel gigant would scarse contain

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this when he is grown great. We have seen divers kindes of Cerambyces besides this we now speak of, one that was like to the first of these, but differing in mag∣nitude and colour; the belly thighs and horns were of a waterish blew; the shoul∣ders, tail and cover wings were varied with some Black spots, also the joynts of the horns were black; the hinder legs grew longer than the rest: we received these from Quickelbergins, who sent them from Antwerp; we have one more that is green without, and underneath dun co∣loured; the head, shoulders & cover wings are a dark green, and shining also with gold: it is something a long body, and seems like the other, but it is something less; it hath purple horns, but the feet and the legs are of a violet colour. I first gave to Pennius a third that was of like colour to this, it smelt almost like Nutmeg and Cinamon. But that sweet smell (as good as the oyl of Myrrhe) presently wh•••• it dies evaporates into the air, and leaving the body, doth wholly insinuate it self in∣to the box it was kept in. Cardanus makes mention of this Beetle, but I know no man that found it before me. There is yet one of a shining black, that hath a great belly, thick, with a body and horns shorter than the rest, the joynts of the horns are not round as they are in the rest, but lightly saw'd on both sides. Pennius saith he is beholding to Carolus Clusius for it. The fifth is altogether like the first for head, mouth and teeth, with very black eyes; a brown colour all over the bo∣dy, a mouth wide open and dented; the head, neck and wings are bespot∣ted with very small black spots; the body of it is almost as great as the se∣cond Cerambyx; it is but seldome seen, it lives in houses and dry wood. The sixth is ash-colour with a very lit∣tle head, they eyes are both white, the horns are somewhat long, joynted, di∣stinguished with white spots; the co∣ver wings, and almost the whole body

is various, it is conversant in houses, but whether it dwell in wood also I know not. I saw the se∣venth brought from Russia by Edward Elmer, it was brownish all the body over, it had round joynts on the horns 7 or 8, it is easily known by its form. There is an eighth kinde not far dif∣fering from this in figure and magnitude, but that the head, shoulders and wings are blewish,

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Joachimus Camerarius sent a ninth to Pennius (he was one that deserved singularly of the Common-wealth of learning) the wings and feet were of a sandy colour; the head, the horns and belly were blackish; he had bowed horns made with many turnings and knots, which he turned to both sides in the twinkling of an eye; it creeps upon plants (especially on Cythisus) I think the Beetle which Johannes de Chaul describes lib. de varia quercus historia, ch. 26. is of this kinde: There dwels a creature in the oake, of the kinds of Beetles, (so far as we can conjecture) it is of a blackish colour with long legs, carrying two prickles in its head a little crooked, where∣with he layes fast hold of what he meets with. Those Carpenters that hew timber of oake, found this little creature alive in the very heart of the oake. The countrey people of Lyons call it Thurro; it lives best and longest in roofs of houses, and it sometimes comes forth and shewes it self making a little noise, in places where stoves are. Gesner, of pious memory, Epist. l. 3. saw such a one, or one like it, voided by an old woman that was sick of a Pleu∣resie, his words are these▪ An old woman that was sick of a Pleuresie, voi∣ded a black Beetle downward, after she had drank a Potion of our Oxy∣mel with a decoction of Fenugreek; it had long feet, horns that were joynted and were flexible; it was full of raw putrefaction▪ and alive; it was as long as two joynts of ones finger. The tenth is all purple colou∣red from black, and hath a forked mouth. The eleventh is all black. The twelfth hath horns tha•• are not so much joynted, the head and shoulders are blew; all the rest of the body seems a bright red. However you see the horns of all these, some straight, others crooked in their pictures, (for to explain them the better) yet for the most part they wear them with a bending of them backward to their shoulders, as goats do, as you see the first Cerambyx: and upon that account I think it fit to put them into the same rank. And thus much for Cerambyx, or Capricorn, and its kinde. * 1.5

I have learned no other use of them in Phy∣sick, than that taken in the left hand, they drive away quartain Agues. Plin. l. 30. cap. 11. It may be posterity, by better experience will discover more of their vertues, and will not suffer them∣selves to be perswaded that a creature God hath made so curiously can want rare vertues in Me∣dicaments, which he hath bestowed on far baser things (according to his goodness unto mankinde) Flitter-mice take this for their chief dainties, and prefer it before Gnats, especially if they can catch them and squeeze them alive.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Oxe, or Buls horns rather, hath alwaies two horns standing straight and right forth; it is blackish from red, and seems almost without any head; yet it hath a very small head sunk into its short thick shoulders, and a little thorn comes forth of the middle of the forehead, very sharp for defence. We have seen four kindes of Nose-horns, the chiefest and greatest of all lives in In∣dia, it is very black, it hath a nose on its face crooked horn'd like to the stern of a ship; about the middle whereof there is another horn bent inward, and comes forth of a little knot, and such another comes out of a bunch on the shoulder; the whole body from the end of the horns to the tail is four inches long, and it is about two inches broad. Like to Beetles it hath no female, but it shapes its own form it self. It produceth its young one from the ground by it self, which

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Joach. Camerarius did elegantly express, when he sent to Pennius the shape of this Insect out of the storehouse of natural things of the Duke of Saxony; with these Verses:

A Hee begat me not, nor yet did I proceed From any Female, but my self I breed.

For it dies once in a year, and from its own corruption, like a Phoenix, it lives again (as Moninus witnesseth) by heat of the Su〈…〉〈…〉

A thousand summers heat and winters cold When she hath felt, and that she doth grow old, Her life that seems a burden, in a tomb Of spices laid, comes younger in her room.

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The second kinde of Nose-horn very rare and wor∣thy to be seen, sacred to Mercury, Carolus Clusius sent painted from Vienna, where it is very frequent, the form is as you see it: it would seem all pitch co∣lour, but that the belly is a full red; that crooked horn in the nose is so sharp, that (what is said of an Ele∣phant going to battle) you would think it had got an edge by rubbing it against a rock. The third Nose-horn, and fourth seem to be alike, but that the for∣mer hath wings growing out longer than the sheath covers, but the others are shorter. You would say they were rub'd with shining ink, they are so perfectly all over black. The Ram or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, hath knotty horns, violet colour, a head greenish from gold colour, the shoulders like vermilion, a purple coloured belly, sheath wings of the colour of the head, it goes forward with legs and feet, of a light red, but the wings shut up in the sheath, do fitly express the small whitish membrane of a Cane.

The greater Beetles without horns are many; name∣ly, that is called Pilularius, and another that is called Melolanthes; another purple, one again that is dark coloured; one called Arboreus, and another Fullo. Some call the Pilularius the dunghill Beetle, because it breeds from dung and filth, and also willingly dwels there. The Greeks call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and from its form like a cat, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; the Germans, Ross∣kafer, Kaat, or Mistkafer; in English, Dung-beetle, Sharnbugg; in French, Fouille merde, as you would say Dung-digger; the Latines call it Pilularius, because it turns up round pills from the dung, which it fashions by turning it backwards with its hinder feet. Porphyrie doth thus de∣scribe the nature of it: All your Pilularii have no females, but have their generation from the Sun; they make great balls with their hin∣der feet, and drive them the contrary way, like the Sun it observes a circuit of 28. daies. Aelian saith almost the same. There is no fe∣male Beetle, it puts the seed into a round ball of dung, which it row••s and heats in 28. daies, and so produceth its young. They would say

thus much: that the Beetle called Pilulari•••• makes a round ball of the roundness of the Hea∣vens, which it turns from East to West so 〈…〉〈…〉 brought it to the figure of the World; afterwards 〈…〉〈…〉es it up▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the earth whe〈…〉〈…〉 up, it lets it remain there fo〈…〉〈…〉 when that 〈…〉〈…〉 by it self, which being ••issolved in water, 〈…〉〈…〉ies it growes up to be a flying 〈…〉〈…〉 For this 〈…〉〈…〉 to Apollo, and adored it for 〈…〉〈…〉mall god, by 〈…〉〈…〉lected, that the likeness of the Sun was given to th〈…〉〈…〉 and so he excused the 〈…〉〈…〉ustomes of his Countrey, Pliny and Plutarch, Symp▪ 〈…〉〈…〉gue of their family; but dung, especially of Cow〈…〉〈…〉 the smell of them a very great way off, they w〈…〉〈…〉 ••uddenly to it. 〈…〉〈…〉. of Smel, But they 〈…〉〈…〉 slowly, yet they labour continually and exceedingly, and delight, most of all to produce the〈…〉〈…〉 ••oung ones, for oft times the little 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bals that they make, by the injury of the winds or of the place, fall aw••y, and f••ll from a high place to the bottome; but this Bee••••e de〈…〉〈…〉ing a propagation, watcheth with perpe〈…〉〈…〉 care, and raising this Sisyphian ball to its hold with continual striving, and that tumbling back again, at length she reduceth it. And truly unless it were endued with a kinde of divine soul (as all things are full of Gods wonderfulness) it would ••aint and be spent in this great contest, and would never take this pains any more. Some say they die being blinded by the Sun; but the most think they are choked by lice (that creep▪ all about them) they hardly hold out one winter. They chiefly delight in the shade of the Ivy-tree, as most healthful for them. Praxanus in Geopon. I have ••et down the form of it so exactly, and in its colours (for it is all black) that I need say no more. Beetles first breed from dung (saith Johan. Langius) as the Worms b••eed out of rotten wood: then their seed being shed into a round ball, and the same being enlivened, breeds their young ones: every one knowe•• this sufficiently, unlesse they live where no dung is; for in dunghils they are obvious to every Man.

Beetles serve for divers uses, for they both profit our mindes, and they cure some infirmities of our bodies. For when this living creature, (and scarce a living creature, for it wants some senses) * 1.6 being of the basest kinde of Insects, and nothing but a crust, doth excel man in divers faculties; this should teach us modesty, temperance, labour, magnanimity, justice, and prudence. For though its house be but a dunghill, yet it lives contented the ••ewith, and is busied and delighted in it; nor doth it more willingly drink or eat amongst Roses than in Goats dung, which smels in its senses as sweet as Marjoram. For it lives by the law of Nature, and will-not exceed her or∣ders. The greatest care it takes, is to make the greatest bals it can〈…〉〈…〉 as it they were sweet bals, which with wonderful labour it rolleth from her; and if it chance to roll its-burden against some heap, that the bals slip away and fall down again, you would imagine that you saw Sisyphus rol∣ling a stone to the top of a mountain, and falling back again upon him, yet is it not weary, nor will it rest, till it hath rolled it to its nest, so earnest it is about its work. But we poor-men do nothing that is worth our labour, or as we have power to do, and we give off in the very steep entrance of vertue, and we spend all our pains and daies in idleness, following ill counsel, till we get a habit of mischief to our own destruction. Who doth not see the courage of the Beetle? if he shall observe him fighting with an Eagle (as 'tis related of the Beetles in India) I believe that it will come to pass, (as Erasmus said) that some man extremely favouring the Roman Commanders, will lament for the Eagle, that the combate fals out upon so kingly a Bird to fight with so mean and despised enemy, for to conquer it, it is no glory, but to be conque••ed by it is the greatest shame, and the Beetle will win praise enough that he strove with an Eagle, though he should be overcome. The Poets say that Ajax was ashamed of so weak an adversary as Ʋlys∣ses was, and valiant Captains disdain to contend with common souldiers▪ Again, a man would wonder whence this mean Insect hath gained so much courage, and boldness, that it dares wage war with the strongest of Birds; also whence it hath means, force, faculties, and patience, that it can contend so many years with the Eagle, without any reconciliation. But if any man will unfold this secret, and view this contemptible creature nearer, and as it were at home, he shall observe so many rare properties of it, that when he hath considered all, he will desire to be a Beetle rather than an Eagle: yet that no man may stop or stay me before he knowes the matter: First of all, it exceeds the Eagle and men too in this respect, that it yearly renews its old age, and growes young again. This is so great a matter, that I think all earthly poten••••res•• when they come to that unamiable old age, that they must part with all, would rather with Beetles change and cast off their dregs, than they would receive a seven fold Crown. Again, what huge courage of the minde is there in so small a body? what an heroical magnanimit••? what a force it hath in battel? that Homers Fly is nothing to the Beetle. It hath not a wit so common, but it was of old reputed for it, and commended in all places. Hence was that Greek prove••b 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Wiser than a Beetle: whereby they ascribe to it, a singular and incomparable wisdome. Nor doth that concern me if any man will cavil and say he dwels ill favouredly in an uncome••y house, for I shall rather justly condemn their houshold government, who being ill favoured them∣selves, and of filthy conditions, do build their houses curiously and lostily with so great care, and charges of King Attalus. Moreover, that it useth the excrements of living creatures for its own commodity is no fault, but a commendation of its wit and ingenuity. As though we that are Physicians did not the same things, as often as we apply the bloud, the flesh, the urine, and some-times

the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of living 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to our patients, and sometimes we give them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 P〈…〉〈…〉s. Nor are Alchymists 〈◊〉〈◊〉 who would be devide men indeed, and not mortal, could they obtain what they 〈…〉〈…〉 draw forth that quintessence. Nor are husband-men (a sort of people that of old 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were 〈…〉〈…〉 sacred now) ashamed to dung their fields. And it is probable they first learned their Art from the Beetle called Pilu〈…〉〈…〉. ••or why should it chiefly include its sseed in duug, unless God would have that there should be in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a great deal of 〈…〉〈…〉 moisture, whereby 〈◊〉〈◊〉 generation is perfected. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it is that wise Farmers dung•••• their fields to make them more 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈…〉〈…〉quered that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 lea••ness, barre••ness and poverty of their 〈◊〉〈◊〉. But you will say that the Beetles Pi〈…〉〈…〉 like the smell of so sti••king ••••thing. It were a foll•••• ••ook for a ma〈…〉〈…〉 a Beetle, for that is peculiar to man to be displeased with the sent of his own dung, and so is it not with any other creatures; therefore the Beetle is more happy than we, but not more 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ye•• men are not so much oftended with it, as it is, but a•• they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. For of old ••••me it did not seem abominable to them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it doth to us, for they called it by a lucky word, L〈…〉〈…〉, and they thought fit to call Satur•• the dunghill god; for his honour, i•• we will believe 〈◊〉〈◊〉. ••or Pliny saith that Sterculus the son of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 go•• not only the name, but also immo〈…〉〈…〉 by it in Italy. Moreover the same thing in Gree•••• procured to two Kings great glory; to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 who invented it, and Hercules that spread it abroad. Lastly, the memory of that old King will never be abolished, whom Ho〈…〉〈…〉 (as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Cato) commended to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the ground with his hands, and for no other thing (but that the Beetle is delighted in. A Ro〈…〉〈…〉 ••mperor was nothing offended with the smell of urine, if it brought profit with it. Wherefore then should ••••ve be of••ended with the Pi〈…〉〈…〉rli, who hath so many good properties, for one smal inconvenience? if we call that an inconvenience that is most commodious for the so••••••ring of its young. Lastly, when we are the Beetle, though in the dung, alwaies 〈…〉〈…〉 shell alwaies neat; compare him with men polluted and infected with st••w•• and ••wdy houses, and I shall ask which of the two is most cleanly? And I think it had its name 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 a Beetle from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 pure and clearle. If any man thinks these gifts to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and vulgar, yet no ma•• but will think that a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 worthy of great honour; that of old time the 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 was the chiefest amongst•• their sacred images and mysteries of their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 It is the most apt. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of a famous 〈◊〉〈◊〉. For (as 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈…〉〈…〉 his Comment of Is•••• 〈…〉〈…〉 in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pictures of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ye was the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of a King, 〈…〉〈…〉 being added to it for it signified 〈…〉〈…〉ght and just administration of things. But he saith, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their Images that wanted hands, those represented ••udges, who ought to be free from 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 amongst these there was o•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his eyes, which represented the chief Judge, because he ought to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and to look 〈◊〉〈◊〉 business, and to hear of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈…〉〈…〉mans person. It was 〈…〉〈…〉 (as the proverb is) 〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Seal amongst the sacred Images. And what did 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wise The old 〈◊〉〈◊〉 intimate to us thereby 〈…〉〈…〉, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and invin••ible Captain. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 saith as much, that no man may suppose 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 yo•••• common▪ Th〈…〉〈…〉 use ••o 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••legories. But some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 follow may say, what hath a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be compared with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Com∣mander in an Army? Truly they agre•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 many things: First you see the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and there is 〈…〉〈…〉 of its body but is guarded with plates and hardness, 〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 said to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 arm〈…〉〈…〉 in compleat armour, and ••enced 〈…〉〈…〉 his warlike march with a horrid and terrible humming: what is there 〈…〉〈…〉 sounding of 〈◊〉〈◊〉? wh•••• 〈…〉〈…〉 of 〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that Kings now so much ••••light in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 could 〈…〉〈…〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Asle 〈…〉〈…〉 Asse was held abominable amongst 〈…〉〈…〉 〈…〉〈…〉 (drivin•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 burden, its i〈…〉〈…〉ible 〈…〉〈…〉age, and 〈…〉〈…〉 of life. 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 say 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••o females amongst 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all 〈◊〉〈◊〉. What can 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bes〈…〉〈…〉 no•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his camp (〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 allow others to have them. 〈…〉〈…〉 this is 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that in those 〈…〉〈…〉 o••, they exclude their young 〈…〉〈…〉 bring 〈◊〉〈◊〉 up, and they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 other place to breed in th•••• they have to 〈…〉〈…〉 is not 〈…〉〈…〉 war can better do it, who know how to 〈…〉〈…〉 their 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or on ••he bare〈…〉〈…〉 that 〈…〉〈…〉

the Beetle have a face like a Cat, a creature familiar with us, and more useful, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 is desired for its self, yet in that respect the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it, and prefer it before all other Insects by many degrees. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Lastly, i•• a horse 〈◊〉〈◊〉 beautiful in his kindes, and a dog in his, why should not the Beetle be so in its kinde? unless we measure tha•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of all things by our own, that what is not like in must be held to be ugly. No man o•• a found minde will finde fault with the colour of it, for it sets forth some jewels, and in special the Diamond that is the chie∣fest 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Lastly, no man will think the Bettle at all despicable, who shall consider with him∣self, that Magicians and Physitians ••etch remedies from this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for the greatest diseases, for they are not only carried in mens purses, but also hang'd about their necks, and ofttimes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 up 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gold against all childrens diseases. What will you say if in the most effectual and incredible remedies almost, (for Pliny is the Author of it) it hath equal force with 〈◊〉〈◊〉? for that terrible Beetle 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on an 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 a present remedy against all 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and no le••s effectual than that M••ly which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gave Ʋlyss••••. Nor is it good only against these, but it is also very useful, if any 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be about to go before the King upon any occasion: ••o so that such a ring ought especially to be worn by them that intend to beg of Noblemen some jolly preferment, or some rich Province. It keeps away likewise the head 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which truly is no small mischief, especially to great drinkers. Who them can despise the Beetle, whose very image engraven upon stones hath so great vertue? The mentioning of precious stones puts me in minds of adding this also: that if the Eagle delight in the precious stone of her name, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the Beetle comes not behinde her in it a share of the same honour, for the stone Ca〈…〉〈…〉∣rias also ••owes its name to it, wonderfully resembling the whole 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the creature, so that one would say it is not the shape represented, but a living and true beetle inclosed in the stone. Moreover this i••pure and filthy creature (〈◊〉〈◊〉) boyled with worms in oyl of Roses, doth very well cu•••• the pains of the eats. Pli••. A〈…〉〈…〉 prescribes the Beetles called Pilularii being stamped alone, to be boyled without 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which the Author of the Book ad 〈◊〉〈◊〉, ap∣proves also, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 1••. Sylvatic•••• chap. 94. writer thus out of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The Dung-〈◊〉〈◊〉 help the pains of the womb, they provoke urine and monethly termes, they procure Abortion; with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they are good to heal the Haemorrhoids, and they help 〈…〉〈…〉 which comes of venomes infused by living creatures; and the oyl in which they are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 takes away the pains of the ears. The later writers commend th••se Beetles 〈◊〉〈◊〉 among the remedies for the Stone, especially Alex〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 makes for the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Stone th•••• kinde of powder, which is no ordinary one••. Burn the Dung-beetle or any other after the same manner as you do Grash••ppe••••, or Scorpions▪ Take of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈…〉〈…〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 j. dram, of Pigeons dung j. dram and a half, let them be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and a powder made of them. The Dose 〈◊〉〈◊〉 j. dram with water of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈…〉〈…〉 For 〈…〉〈…〉 this ointment is very much commended. Take of oyntment 〈◊〉〈◊〉 j. ounce▪ of oyl of Roses in which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Beetles and as many 〈◊〉〈◊〉 have boyled a good while j. ounce and half, of 〈…〉〈…〉 them incorporate and be made into an oyntment 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈…〉〈…〉 reports that he had gotten of his master 〈…〉〈…〉 against the Convulsion, made of Beetles after this manner: Take of Pepper, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pelli∣tory of Spain, each alike, of Beetles to the weight of all the rest▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them all, being brought to a powder and mixt, together in a bath with juyce of 〈…〉〈…〉 much as 〈…〉〈…〉 〈…〉〈…〉 of an oyntment, with which let the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the 〈…〉〈…〉 temple•• with 〈…〉〈…〉 back-bone, be anointed. Moreover, 〈…〉〈…〉 awakening of such as are troubled with the Dead sleep, and 〈…〉〈…〉 rides 〈…〉〈…〉 have done 〈◊〉〈◊〉 good) two or three Dung 〈…〉〈…〉 put up 〈…〉〈…〉 half a 〈…〉〈…〉 to be made fast about the ••••pe of the 〈…〉〈…〉 well 〈…〉〈…〉 the muscles of the fore〈…〉〈…〉 of the arms (on every 〈◊〉〈◊〉 one) 〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, because this doth wonderfully 〈◊〉〈◊〉 up 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as are 〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (saith 〈◊〉〈◊〉) awakend done that had been held with a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for 〈…〉〈…〉 with this remedy, having tried all others in vain, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him afterward with 〈…〉〈…〉 the 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 blister it. The Dung-〈◊〉〈◊〉 are best for this purpose, 〈…〉〈…〉 which 〈…〉〈…〉 be found under stones, and then they which are found in a 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The 〈…〉〈…〉 of using i••, which 〈…〉〈…〉 〈…〉〈…〉 testifie they have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 confirm〈…〉〈…〉 by many 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Yet the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 will 〈…〉〈…〉 credit when foolishly rather than truly, they report and 〈…〉〈…〉 〈…〉〈…〉 that is adorned with golden 〈◊〉〈◊〉, ••ut 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 water with 〈…〉〈…〉 tempest••, Pli••. 〈…〉〈…〉. I say 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Eagle 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, the 〈…〉〈…〉 by 〈◊〉〈◊〉, in whose nests Beeth〈…〉〈…〉 (which our 〈◊〉〈◊〉 first 〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that they serve for this use also; to feed 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Nay 〈…〉〈…〉 living 〈◊〉〈◊〉, especially 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that are in 〈…〉〈…〉 upon 〈…〉〈…〉 the ••••gle, its 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cruel 〈◊〉〈◊〉, do no less 〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rank, 〈…〉〈…〉 to do 〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 like for 〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 out of the ••est the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 one 〈…〉〈…〉

ling, and being broken, the young ones while they are yet unshapen, being dasht miserably against the stones, are deprived of life, before they have any sense of it. Neither do I see indeed how she should more torment the Eagle than in her young ones. For some who slight the greatest torments of their own body, cannot endure the least torments of their sons. We see Asses, (those sluggish and almost senseless creatures) run to the help of their foals through fire, if it be in their way, with a strange contempt of their life. So that I cannot but admire and magnifie the Beetles inbred wisdome in the choice of its revenge. But enough of this, lest I should seem to have made (not an Elephant of a fly, but) a Gyant of a Beetle. I will confess indeed, that as I was loath to make a great volume about a small thing, so I accounted it a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to bury in silence what I had read. I wonder at Pennius's brevity and emptiness in this argument, since in Lucian, Pliny, Homer, Aristophanes, Theocritus, Al••xandrinus, Erasmus, and infinite other Authors, won∣derful things are recorded of the Dung-Beetle, well worth our mentioning.

There is another altogether like the Dung-Beetle, but of a darkish bright blew colour, with

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a notable shining. This in the moneth August is troubled with lice hang∣ing between its legs, and at last kill'd with them. I should ra∣ther take this for the cat-fashioned Beetle, because an egge is not more like to an egge, than this is to a cat. It is met with every where, but I have more often seen it about Colchester. Let us go forward.

That which I should call the Emerald coloured or greenish Beetle, the Greek comick Poets all of them call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Atticks 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Eustath. Some likewise call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, but without right. It is taken by some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Tree-Beetle, but its place tels us it is a mistake. The Rustick•• in Lombardy call them Gallerucas, as much as to say, French Palm〈…〉〈…〉ms (as Niphus in∣terprets it) though yet they agree in nothing with Palmer-worms. In Dutch it is called Gruenen, Odor, G••uldkafer; in Italian, Mariola; ••n Polonian, Zielonakroroka; in English, Greenchafer. The opinions of writers are divers about this little creature; both be∣cause this kinde of Beetle is not every where easie to be found, as because it seemeth to be ve∣ry near the Cantharis. Some will have it to be the Cantharis, but for the most part there is want∣ing in it that caustick virtue. The Scholiast upon Aristoph••nes calleth it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a little creature of the colour of gold like a Beetle. Eustathius cals it a great Wasp. Pollux affirms it to be a little creature which flies, but sets not down its kinde. Gaza translates it Galleruca, but it hath nothing like it; and they who contend that it is a Tree-Beetle, have ei∣ther lost their eyes, or cannot distinguish varieties of colours. Hesychius makes it a Beetle, but of a golden colour: as the Scholiast upon Aristophanes, yellow: later writers call it the greenish or Emerald coloured Beetle, but shining as it were with gold. Marcellus Empiricus intimates as much in these words: the green Scarabee (the Greeks call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) is of a li••ely emerald co∣lour, by reason of the pleasantness whereof, it is so delightsome and beneficial to the eyes, that they can never be weary of it; for the longer you look upon it, the more you would be in

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love with it, Pliny also saith the same, l. 30. c. 70. & 29. c. 9. The male is green all over, except the eyes which are ruddy: the sheaths of the females wings (which is the big∣ger) seem to be of a chesnut colour, shining with a delight∣some and beautiful brightness; otherwise it is like the male. The breast of them both stands out with a sharp point, which I have not observed in other Beetles. P. Quickelberg an Apothecary of A••twerp, but one who was to be preferred before many Physicians for his studiousness about things natural, sent to Pennius a male and female of them, painted as it were with Apollo's hand. Aristot. l. 9. de Rospirations, ascribes to it a shrill sound, which perhaps gave occasion to some to call this the Tree-Beetle. They are genera∣ted (saith the Philosopher) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, of worms which are in cow-dung, and of asse-dung. But Stephanus o•••• of Theophrastus saith otherwise, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. The Melolonthe is bred of the blossoms of Apple-trees, or at least it flies to them when they begin to blossom••. We are beholding to Charles Clusius for another kinde of this Beetle, whose feet are black, as like∣wise its head and shoulders, but from blewish. It hath horns in appearance, but not so indeed (wherefore we r••ck•••• it amongst the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or hornless Beetle) its 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wings seem to be furrowed: but about the edg•• they a•••• some-what red. Thilesius tels us of another notable kinde of M••l••l••••the (and I have 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉∣sented to you the figure of it) in these words▪ it is green all over, except the eyes (for those are exceeding black); its belly from golden is a little red, and so its thig••s; the middle of its

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back is beautified with a half Moon of the same colour with its sheath wings; for which reason it is elegantly called by the Latines, Equus Lunae, the Moons Horse. Thilesius writes that Aristotle makes mention of this, but I cannot yet finde where the Philosopher does it. Philesius while he speaks of this among the Dung-Beetles (for which reason also I have added it to them) describeth it thus in verse:

Which, rolling bals of dung this potter frames, Some black, like the scorcht Moor are seen, The nobler sort are deckt with green: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 back hath (to compare great things with small) A mark, you may the half Moon call. The English call't the Moons horse, so renown'd, But had there e're so fair been found, Many a Semiramis would love us then, And Centaures had out numbred men.

And indeed most of the Beetles are hide 〈…〉〈…〉-black; yet I make no question, but some of them have their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shining with a blacker, others with a more pleasant green. Th〈…〉〈…〉re also that shine like gold, and those very great ones, wh〈…〉〈…〉 dig up the earth, and make their nests there. Some there are which fly about with a little humming; some with a terrible & with a for∣midable noise, so that they would not a little fright one that is not aware of them. There are other differences also of shapes amongst them: but their breeding in dung, their feeding, life, and delight in the same, this is common to them all. Ano∣ther Beetle of a purple colour was brought to us from Con∣stantinople, which (only that its eyes, belly, and feet were like pitch) was all over of a purple and violet colour. The black one, which lives in dry wood, is formed after this manner: It is all over black, or russet rather, as if it were clad in mour∣ning; its mouth is forked, its shoulders almost square, its legs and horns somewhat short; it seldome flies, but goes for the most part, and murmurs while it is going, as lewd servants use to do. The Tree-Beetle is very common, and every where to be met with, especially in the moneths of July and August, after Sun-set: for then it flyeth giddily in mens faces with a great humming and loud noise, and vexeth cattel. These Beetles spoil the leaves of trees, which they do not so much eat as tear in pieces out of an inbred malice; for they feed upon gnats. We call them Dorrs in English; the Dutchmen, Baum∣kafer, Loubkaefer; Jo. Agricola l. de subterr. Anim. Seukaeser; the French, Hannetons. The sheaths of their wings are of a light red colour, and covered as it were with a very fine flower, otherwise they shine but a little; their legs, feet, and prickly tail are of the same colour: its other parts are all over brown: only that the circle about their eyes, and their 〈…〉〈…〉 horns are yellowish, and of the same colour are they a little above the beginning of their 〈…〉〈…〉 joynts of their bellies are whitish. In Normandy they are much more numerous every third year, and therefore they call it L' an des hannetons. It is recorded in our Chronicles, that in the year of our Lord 1574. on the 24. of February there fell such a multitude of them into the River S••vern, that they stopt and clog'd the wheels of the Water-mils: and indeed, unless together with the industry of men, the Hens, Ducks, Goat-milkers, Castrels, Bats, and other Birds of prey (which seem to make these their dainties) had afforded their help, the Mills had even to this day been choaked with them and stood still.

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There is another taken to be of kin to this, of a colour all 〈…〉〈…〉ween brown white, its belly gray and as it were hoary. Of what 〈…〉〈…〉 Physick I confess I know not. Fowlers indeed when they hunt 〈…〉〈…〉 bait their hook with two or three Dors or tree Beetles, and tye a 〈…〉〈…〉ne to their line, which they cover with flags, that their wiles be 〈…〉〈…〉 overed: the Duck for greediness of meat presently swallowes the hook, which sticking fast she is punished for her folly. How Cranes are taken with these wrapped up in a gourd, he that hath a mind to know may read Gesner de Grue.

The Beetle which Pliny cals Fullo is more rare and not every where to be met with. It is not any where to be seen here in England, so far as I have heard o••

read. Gaza sometimes translated that which Aristotle cals 〈…〉〈…〉, Fullo, whereas he alwaies intended that the Dung-Beetle only should be known by that name, and he gave proper appellations to all the rest. Neither can the Fuller-Beetle be called the ••ed Beetle (as F〈…〉〈…〉 construeth) nor is it a creature with a forked tail, which Hadrian J〈…〉〈…〉 puts upon us for that Fullo▪ for the〈…〉〈…〉rked tail is

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not of the sheath wing'd kinde a•• it shall 〈…〉〈…〉 more at large in the history thereof. This Beetle certainly i•• a fair one, big••er than the Tree-Beetle, but somewhat less than the fe〈…〉〈…〉 Hart: It hath a head almost horny, 〈…〉〈…〉u∣〈…〉〈…〉ified 〈◊〉〈◊〉 two little horns; its eyes 〈…〉〈…〉airy breast are 〈…〉〈…〉a yell〈…〉〈…〉ish white, it hath feet coal 〈…〉〈…〉 its belly and tail are 〈…〉〈…〉 Cr••hes feathers; its shoulders and wings are so beautifully wrought with black and white specks, that you wo〈…〉〈…〉 easily 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it were a cloathing of Damas•• em∣broidered after the Phrygia〈…〉〈…〉nner. Magic〈…〉〈…〉 say, that this Insect is a singular remedy against Quartan A〈…〉〈…〉 boun〈…〉〈…〉ach arm, if we may believe Pliny l. 3〈…〉〈…〉 11. Pennius first had the picture of it from C〈…〉〈…〉us; but Quickqu〈…〉〈…〉gius afterward 〈…〉〈…〉 him over the crea∣ture it self.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The Name.
• * 1.2

  Their Sex and Description.
• * 1.3

  The use of broad horn Beetles.
• * 1.4

  The name and description.
• * 1.5

  The Use.
• * 1.6

  Their use for our understan∣dings, and by example.