THE GOLDEN GARDENER--COURTSHIP It is generally recognized that the Carabus auratus is an active exterminator of caterpillars; on this account in particular it deserves its title of Gardener Beetle; it is the vigilant policeman of our kitchen-gardens, our flower-beds and herbaceous borders.

If my inquiries add nothing to its established reputation in this respect, they will nevertheless, in the following pages, show the insect in a light as yet unsuspected.

The ferocious beast of prey, the ogre who devours all creatures that are not too strong for him, is himself killed and eaten: by his fellows, and by many others.
Standing one day in the shadow of the plane-trees that grow before my door, I see a Golden Gardener go by as if on pressing business.

The pilgrim is well met; he will go to swell the contents of my vivarium.

In capturing him I notice that the extremities of the wing-covers are slightly damaged.