DRONE-FLIES. 195 



aggressive weapons of any kind, and having 

 proverbially nothing to do, they are very easy- 

 going, happy little creatures, only asking for sun- 

 shine and food to keep themselves in health and 

 contentment. 



It is really a curious sight to watch the morning 

 toilet of a drone-fly through a magnifying glass. 

 After rubbing the various legs well together, the 

 yellow down upon the head has to be attended 

 to ; it is thoroughly combed by means of a row 

 of small spines running down the fore-legs ; these 

 are raised over the back of the insect, so that the 

 spines are drawn through and through the soft, 

 downy fur until it is in perfect order, the action 

 reminding one irresistibly of the toilet of a human 

 being. 



The head is placed on such a slender pivot 

 that it can be turned in every direction, and looks 

 as if it would come off altogether as the fly turns 

 it this way and that, and vigorously combs and 

 brushes it in every part. Then the back and 

 abdomen are cleansed from every speck of dust, 

 and not until all this is accomplished does the 

 insect seem to care for any food thus setting to 



