TALKING WITH A BEETLE.
In superstitious days there was a belief that the ticking of a death-watch beetle portended a death in the household within a year. Undaunted by old wives' tales, Sir Frank Baines, who was responsible for the reconstruction of the roof of Westminster Hall and the ■ preservation ,of those parts of Hampton Court Palace woodwork which had been damaged bybeetles, has succeeded in making one of the little creatures "talk" with him. ■*> By raising themselves on their hind legs and beating with their heads, the insects tap out their "messages." For a long time Sir Frank attempted to establish communication with a specimen' kept in his office, and now, having found the correct rhythm, he has no difficulty in getting replies from his strange pet.
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Bibliographic details
Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLVI, Issue 3233, 3 July 1928, Page 8
Word Count
128TALKING WITH A BEETLE. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLVI, Issue 3233, 3 July 1928, Page 8
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