100 FLIES. 



The Blacksmith Fly 



The Blacksmith Fly, is so called from 

 Its making a noise, resembling, in sound, 

 the striking on iron. In the centre of its 

 back is a projecting horny point, and a cre- 

 vice of the same nature on the hind part of 

 the head, near the shoulders, which being 

 struck together, by a jerk of the head and 

 body, make a tingling noise, that may be 

 heard at a considerable distance; and so 

 elastic is the membrane which joins the 

 head and body together, that, if the insect 

 is laid on its back, it will spring to a tole- 

 rable height upwards, and fall directly on 

 its legs. It differs very little from the beetle 

 in shape or size, excepting in its elastic 

 powers, and making so singular a noise.— 

 Atwood's History or Dominica. 



