298 DRAGON-FLY. 



sharp claws, you will then have as accurate an idea as my 

 powers of description can give of the strange conformation of 

 the under lip in the larvae of these insects, which conceals the 

 mouth and face precisely as I have supposed a similar con- 

 struction of your lip would do yours. When at rest, this mask 

 applies close to, and covers the face ; when they would make 

 use of it, they unfold it like an arm, catch the prey at winch 

 they aim by means of the rnandibuliforin plates, and then 

 partly refold it so as to hold the prey to the mouth in the 

 most convenient position for operation of the two pair of jaws 

 with which they are provided." Reaumur proposes, jokingly, 

 the adoption by masqueraders of some such physiognomic 

 apparatus wherewith to astonish the "Demoiselles," and win 

 their admiring horror by putting it into devouring action at the 

 supper-table. 



Let us now leave our crawling masked assassin to wallow in 

 mud and murder at the bottom of his pond, and delight our 

 eyes by looking at an insect of surpassing brilliancy and beauty, 

 disporting on the wing above the water. Its graceful shape, 

 brilliant colours, and glittering gauzy wings, have won it 

 from the gallant French the appellation of Demoiselle. Among 

 ourselves it is known better by the names of Horse-stinger and 

 Dragou-Fly. The first is a misnomer, because, to horses, it is 

 entirely harmless ; but amongst the insect crew it is a veritable 

 dnm'on, to the full, as fierce and cruel as our murderer in the 

 mask. No wonder ! for it is his very self, 0111-, at least, of 



