MOTIONS OF INSECTS. 4S3 



them to balance their bodies when they descend, which they do in a hori- 

 zontal position. This motion continues two or three hours without ceas- 

 ing, and commences in fine clear weather about an hour before sunset, 

 lasting till the copious falling of the dew compels them to retire to their 

 nocturnal station.^ Our most common species, which I have usually taken 

 for the E. vulgatn, varies from that of De Geer in its proceedings. I 

 found them at the end of May dancing over the meadows, not over the 

 trees, at a much earlier hour — at half-past three — rising in the way just 

 described, about a foot, and then descending, at the distance of about four 

 or five feet from the ground. Another species, common here, rises seven 

 or eight feet. I have also seen Ephemeras flying over the water in a hori- 

 zontal direction. The females are sometimes in the air, when the males 

 seize them, and they fly paired. These insects seem to use their fore- 

 legs to break the air ; they are applied together before the head, and look 

 like antennas. — Hilara maura, a little beaked fly, I have observed rushing 

 in infinite numbers like a shower of rain driven by the wind, as before 

 observed, over waters, and then returning back. 



It is remarkable that the smaller Tipularia; will fly unwetted in a heavy 

 shower of rain, as I have often observed. How keen must be their sight, 

 znd how rapid their motions, to enable them to steer between drops bigger 

 than their own bodies, which, if they fell upon them, must dash them to 

 the ground ! 



Amidst this infinite variety of motions, for purposes so numerous and 

 diversified, and performed by such a multiplicity of instruments and organs, 

 who does not discern and adore the Great Fikst Mover? From him all 

 proceed, by him all are endowed, in him all move : and it is to accomplish 

 his ends, and to go on his errands, that these little but not insignificant 

 beings are thus gifted ; since it is by them that he maintains this ter- 

 raqueous globe in order and beauty, thus rendering it fit for the residence 

 of his creature man. 



I am, &c. 



1 De Geer, ii. 638. 



