124 THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 



number resting an inch or two from the water. These, however, seemed 

 to be somewhat torpid, as they could be brushed into the net easily, and 

 lay there motionless. Those that fell into the water seemed to experience 

 great difficulty in getting under. We also took two other species of these 

 and a small Hydrophilid, swimming. 



As we sat at lunch, several species of Diptera were flying about. 

 We also saw a Hemerobian and one of the Microlepidoptera, which we 

 failed to catch. 



We had by this time exhausted the possibilities of this pond, so went 

 to another about a hundred feet away. This was even more disappoint- 

 ing. Tliick ice covered it everywhere, except around the roots of a large 

 apple tree, where there was a clear space of about a foot. This was 

 swarming vvitli the Crustacean Branchippus. 



I wanted to get some Hydrobatidas, as well as more of the other 

 aquatics, and Mr. Davis suggested Richmond Brook, where we went across 

 fields. The earth was simply sodden. 



In the brook there was more life and better collecting. Gerris re- 

 migis was quite abundant, active, and, in some instances, in copulo. 

 Between Mr. Davis and myself we took about 30 specimens. They were 

 found in the backwaters under the overhanging banks, or hiding among 

 the drift. 



Clinging to the grains of sand or to small pebbles, in the quieter, 

 deeper portions of the stream, were numbers of another species of Corixa, 

 which I have not as yet determined. These insects were exceedingly 

 active and lively, and scurried away before the net like a flock of birds, 

 but we caught many, nevertheless. 



On the surface, in some portions, a small Perlid, Capnia necydaloides, 

 was to be seen lightly floating. One I took from a Gerris that was feed- 

 ing on it. Several others Mr. Davis and I took as they floated on the 

 water, and two were caught on the white surface of a recently-cut stump, 

 which seemed to have a great attraction for them. When we souglit to 

 capture them they ran swiftly away without attempting to take flight, and 

 hid in the cracks of the bark, with which they harmonized in colour. 



We also observed some Chironomids resting on the stream ; and 

 under stones and among trash at the bottom, Perlid nymphs and Ephem- 

 erid larvse were abundant. In a sandy, shallow spot we saw a number of 

 tubes, possibly about two inches long, rising into the water from the 

 bottom, but we did not find the maker. These seemed to consist of silk, 



