NATURE'S CRAFTSMEN 



joints — there are six joints in all — rest lightly upon the 

 water, making a dimple therein which is circular at the 

 front feet and oval at the others. When the sun shines 

 full upon a water-strider thus confined, or resting in a 

 shallow place of the brook, the dimples in the surface- 

 film cast black shadows precisely as do the body and 

 limbs; and around the edges thereof is a bright aureola 



A WATER-STRIDER 



that reminds one of that which engirdles the sun when 

 in full eclipse. They are dainty footsteps indeed that 

 these creatures lay upon the water; and one wonders 

 at the fairy-light tread that never seems to push through 

 the delicate film which rides the stream, and gives to 

 the water-strider a footing as secure as the floor of ice 

 which the frost lays for merry skaters in the winter 

 months. 



Away the insect goes! Gently and slowly, or with a 

 rush and swiftly, it glides along, a picture of graceful 

 motion. How does it propel itself? So rapid is the 

 movement of the legs that one is puzzled for a time, for 



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