WATER-INSECTS. 257 



glazed garden frames which had apparently been mistaken 

 for water. 



Daring the winter, their habits are by no means uni- 

 form. Some bury themselves,, and remain for the season in 

 a state of torpidity ; others retain their natural briskness, 

 and will remain in the water after it has been frozen over, 

 swimming under the surface and coming to accidental open- 

 ings to take air. 



Many of these particulars are gathered from Mr. West- 

 wood's account in his popular and accurate work. I have 

 had no opportunity of watching the Di/ticns in its native 

 haunts, but have been oblig-ed to content myself with ob- 

 serving its movements in a fresh-water tank. These move- 

 ments are curious enough. The manner in which the in- 

 sect bustles about, first diving down in a great hurry, as if 

 business of importance was on hand and there was not time 

 to do it in, then suddenly appearing to change its mind, 

 reverse its balance, and return in the same direction, is very 

 amusing. Now it will waddle along the leaves ; then skim 

 the surface ; then rest for a few moments, giving his extre- 

 mities an airing ; then down he goes again straight to the 

 bottom, and remains for awhile with his body half buried 

 among the pebbles. What he is doing among these same 



s 



