THE SCORPION-FLY. 277 



but no less striking specimen of the " fair and fierce." It 

 would even seem that with reference to the quality of fierce- 

 ness, or more properly of valour, this latter insect is well 

 worthy of precedence over its bulkier class-fellow, of which, 

 being invariably the foe, it is not unfrequently the conqueror. 

 Only look at these enemies by nature, the great dragon and 

 the little scorpion flies, in juxta position, and, on comparison 

 of their respective sizes and apparent powers, you will hardly 

 admit the possibility that when opposed in single combat the 

 latter should come off victor. Yet thus it stands recorded in 

 the chronicles of insect doings, wherein, on good authority, it 

 is written, that the tyrant of our lakes and pools (cowardly as 

 tyrants are wont to be) is terrified even at sight of a scorpion 

 fly assailant. One of these valorous pygmies is related by 

 Lyonnet to have attacked, in his presence, a dragon-fly ten 

 times its own size to have brought it to the ground, pierced it 

 with its sharp proboscis, and have left it with life only through 

 the interference of the naturalist spectator. 



This insect " hero of a thousand fights/"* bears in his tail a 

 formidable-looking, sting-like weapon, which might seem 

 mainly instrumental to victory in such unequal combats ; but 

 dangerous as this may appear, his nasal dagger, or stiletto, does 

 him, we believe, the most good service both in attack and 

 demolition of his bulky foes. He doubtless, however, finds a 

 use for the appendage at his tail, and albeit we have found it 

 harmless within our capturing grasp, its bearer owes the name 



