ESCAPE OF DRAGON FLY. 303 



the change, for they come to that position in 

 order that they may get dry before proceeding 

 further. If these are now closely observed, they 

 will be seen after the lapse of a little time to 

 leave their position, and to begin creeping about 

 in search of a suitable spot where they may 

 undergo their metamorphosis. Most probably 

 they will select for this purpose the sticks we 

 have introduced into the basin, and, after running 

 up and down them, will fix upon a particular 

 spot, where they place themselves securely, the 

 head invariably uppermost. From what will be 

 subsequently mentioned, it is necessary that the 

 insect should fasten itself so 

 firmly to the branch, that not 

 even a violent effort would 

 disturb its position. This is se- 

 cured by the insect thrusting 

 the sharp claws with which its 

 feet are armed into the stem on 

 which it rests. The points of 

 these claws are so fine and hard 

 as even to penetrate wood with 



Pupa of Dragon-fly, showing the 



facility. They are shown in *>*****<*** 

 the cut ; and even after the dragon-fly has escaped 



