Some years ago I dug up a root of wild succory 

 and had it planted in my garden in good soil and in 

 a sunny aspect In the course of years it has amply 

 repaid me by growing into a sturdy plant three or 

 four feet high ; and in this month, when it is always 

 covered with its star-like, exquisite blue flowers, it 

 forms one of my cherished garden treasures. 



Chicory or succory is largely grown for the sake of 

 its tap-root, which, when dried and ground, is used 

 to mix with coffee. 



The endive we use for salads is an allied species, a 

 biennial plant derived originally, I believe, from 

 Cichoriuin piuiiilinn, a wild plant still found commonly 

 along the shores of the Mediterranean. 



FISHING FOR INSECTS 



Towards the end of this month every little stream 

 abounds with insect life. Of this there may be no 

 appearance on the surface, but a few sweeps with a 

 muslin net will bring to light a variety of interesting 

 creatures. 



Provided with a canful of water and a net, I 

 went off this morning to my pond to see what 1 

 could discover. Passing the net through some water- 

 weed, I was not long in finding greyish-green 

 beetles leaping vigorously in my net ; these were the 

 water-boatmen (Notonecta glanca). The body of this 

 insect is shaped just like a boat, and the two long 

 hind legs with which it propels itself are feathered 

 like oars. This beetle swims on its back, and 

 spends much of its time resting on the surface of the 

 water, diving now and then to catch some insect on 

 which it feeds. 



