368 INSECT TRANSFORMATIONS. 



These are most frequently observed frolicking in par- 

 ties of from two to a dozen or more ; but we have 

 very frequently seen an individual performing his gy- 

 rations with the same alacrity when alone as when 

 mingling with his companions. We conclude, there- 

 fore, that the apparent sociality of these insects has no 

 closer bond than that of the vultures which crowd to 

 devour the same carcase, or of the unsocial sea-birds 

 which congregate near a shoal of fish.* 



Kirby and Spence appear to be of a different 

 opinion : — these " little beetles," say they, " which 

 may be seen clustering in groups under warm banks 

 in every river and every pool, and wheeling round 

 and round with great velocity ; at your approach 

 dispersing and diving under water, but as soon as 

 you retire, resuming their accustomed movements, — 

 seem to be under the influence of the social principle, 

 and to form their assemblies for no other purpose 

 than to enjoy together in the sun-shine the mazy 

 dance."'!' 



The following accomit of the manners of tliis 

 beetle, by Mr. Knapp, is well worth extracting; 

 though it is much more lively and interesting than 

 strictly correct : 



" Water, quiet, still water, affords a place of action 

 to a very amusing little fellow {Gyrinus natator)y 

 which about the month of April, if the weather be 

 tolerably mild, we see gamboling upon the surface 

 of the sheltered pool ; and every schoolboy, who has 

 angled for minnows in the brook, is well acquainted 

 with this merry swimmer in his shining black 

 jacket. Retiring in the autumn, and reposing all the 

 winter in the mud at the bottom of the pond, it 

 awakens in the spring, rises to the surface, and com- 

 mences its summer sports. ;j: They associate in small 



* J. R. -j- Intr. vol. ii. p. 4. 



J We have seen tliem throughout the severe winter of 1829-30. 

 S'lioiting on the unfrozen springs at Lee, in Kent. J. R. 



