12 THE LIFE OF AN INSECT. 



this beautiful cradle is completed. The water- 

 beetle then safely secures it from being carried away 

 by the waters on which it floats so buoyantly, by 

 fastening it by cables to the neighbouring plants. 

 Here safely moored it rests until the eggs are 

 hatched, soon after which the little creatures with- 

 in escape into the waters out of the ark, which has, 

 during the period of their infancy, safely preserved 

 them from every danger, both of water and wind. 

 The proceedings of the common gnat, our 

 summer tormentor, are no less interesting and 

 instructive. Her actions have been closely watched 

 by the great Reaumur, and are detailed by him with 

 very striking accuracy. They require, perhaps, 

 sharper scrutiny than most of our readers are in 

 the habit of bestowing upon the actions of insects, 

 but they well repay a patient and attentive ob- 

 servation, and subjects for the examination may 

 easily be found at the side of any pool in summer. 

 The following is an outline of the difficulties the 

 insect has to contend with in depositing her eggs. 

 First, they must be hatched on the water ; but, 

 2d, her eggs are heavier than water, and will 

 therefore sink if dropped into it one by one ; and, 

 3d, the eggs are so small and of so peculiar a shape 



