ORDER V. NET-WINGED INSECTS. 229 



whole history of this diminutive and short-lived insect, as 

 we have thus far related it, we must still add another phe- 

 nomenon connected with it, and crowded into its brief ex- 

 istence, which is not observed in any other insect, viz. : that 

 many of them, after flying about in the air, cast their skin 

 a second time, and leave it attached to the trunk of a tree, 

 or on a fence, or house, in such a perfect condition, that 

 no one can tell it from the insect without handling it. Its 

 form, size, and general appearance are exactly like that of 

 the perfect-winged fly in the sitting posture, with its citron- 

 colored wings erect like those of a butterfly. 



The ephemeral existence of the insects of this genus has 

 always excited the pity, as their wonderful history has the 

 admiration, of the true lover of Nature. That, after grovel- 

 ing in the earth so long, it should shoot up so brilliantly 

 into the ether, only to enjoy its perfect, winged state just 

 long enough to perform its last great function of reproduc- 

 tion, and then instantly expire, might well excite a passing 

 regret in the minds of its admirers. Often have we seen this 

 little insect in the early morning, sitting near the open 

 blossom of a purple morning-glory, as if instinct had taught 

 it that a similarity of fate had made them fit associates, 

 both breathing their matin song to the sun, whose last set- 

 ting rays were destined to see them Avither and die. Like 

 two unhappy human souls, who find consolation only in 

 their mutual interchange of woe, until their short day- 

 dream is over, and the night of Death lulls them to eternal 

 rest. Reason, however, has assured us that life is not to 

 be measured by its length alone, but that that life is long 

 enough for all the enjoyment of which its recipient is capa- 

 ble, that endures until all the objects of its existence are 

 accomplished. Surely, then, the diligence of this little in- 

 sect, who so faithfully and successfully " works while it is 

 day," should shame the idle, listless man who trifles away 

 his brief existence, unmindful of the high and noble pur- 



