164 IMPORTATION FROM CHINA. 



white phosphorescent powder, and the tip, which is scarlet, 

 and somewhat pellucid, still retains a reddish glow that almost 

 convinces us that the insect, when living, diffused light from 

 both ;" that is, trunk and its apex. " Supposing (he adds) 

 this conjecture right, the illuminated apex of the trunk would 

 resemUc a globule of fire, and the numerous phosphoric spots on 

 the tube form a train of glittering stars to accompany it." 

 This truly would be an insect comet. 



Our present rapid communication with India, and new rela- 

 tions with China, might soon, we should think, afford oppor- 

 tunities for the dispersion of every shade of doubt, if any re- 

 mains, concerning the light-giving properties of these Fnlgorce. 

 Imported from the above countries in the egg, or even alive, 

 and hatched or kept living by artificial heat, we may yet see 

 with our own stay-at-home eyes, whether these living lanterns 

 carry light ; and if so it prove, might we not, curiously, peruse 

 letters from China, by aid of an insect luminary which may 

 have helped once to light a real pagoda, have perched upon 

 the towers of Pekin, or even have flown " betwixt the wind ' 

 and his Celestial Majesty? 



Perhaps, also, amongst other benefits derived, from the ends 

 of the world being brought so near together, may result, during 

 the course of this economic and adaptive age, the employment 

 of the " Fulgora candelaria" even to the saving of our own 

 candle-ends, and the helping to " make both ends meet." 



Yet more desirable, and more easy, doubtless, to accomplish, 



