They work only when stimulated by the contact of its fur.

Never, never in this world do they venture to dig a grave unless the body to be buried already occupies the site of the cavity.

This is absolutely confirmed by my two and a half months and more of daily observations.
The rest of Clairville's anecdote bears examination no better.

We are told that the Necrophorus in difficulties goes in search of assistance and returns with companions who assist him to bury the Mouse.

This, in another form, is the edifying story of the Sacred Beetle whose pellet had rolled into a rut, powerless to withdraw his treasure from the gulf, the wily Dung-beetle called together three or four of his neighbours, who benevolently recovered the pellet, returning to their labours after the work of salvage.
The exploit--so ill-interpreted--of the thieving pill-roller sets me on my guard against that of the undertaker.