ODONATA. 83 



dently preferred the oak leaf, for it was only found on 

 the water-plant a few times. When the leaf was turned 

 over, it always passed to the lower side before becom- 

 ing quiet. In doing so it approached the edge of the 

 leaf, stretched out the three legs on one side of its 

 body, and pressed them tightly to the upper surface, 

 then s^^amg its body over the edge, at the same time 

 extending the other three legs, and taking hold of the 

 leaf by the strong hooks at their ends. When this feat 

 was performed on a narrow portion of the leaf, one set 

 of legs could be seen appearing from the lower side, 

 just before the other set disappeared from the upper 

 surface. 



When placed on the hand, the insect walked over it 

 till, nearing one side, it carefully passed under the 

 finger, and, embracing it, remained motionless. After 

 March 28th it was usually found on the mud or on 

 the upper side of the leaf or plant, and became more 

 active as the time approached for its final transforma- 

 tion. 



The end of the intestine is used for purposes of 

 respiration and locomotion, while, at the same time, 

 it performs its proper function as an organ of excre- 

 tion. The rectum is a dilatable bag, having its walls 

 supplied with tracheae, and its entrance guarded by 

 three stout, chitinous spikes (PL III., Fig. 37, v ) see 

 Fig. 36, p. 80). When these spikes open, water passes 

 into the cavity of the rectum ; and when they close, 

 they fit together tightly so that the water is prevented 

 from escaping. The trachece in the walls of the rec- 

 tum then rob the water of its air, which is distributed 

 throughout the body. The same water is then made 



