MONG my somewhat numerous corre- 
spondence from young people, I recall 
several wondering inquiries about a certain fat, 
floundering "beetle," as "blue as indigo"; and 
when we consider how many other observing 
youngsters, including youngsters of larger growth, 
have looked upon this uncouth shape in the path, 
lawn, or pasture, will speculate as to its life his- 
tory, it is perhaps well to make this floundering 
blue beetle better acquainted with his unappre- 
ciative neighbors. 
What are the lazy blue insects doing down 
there in the grass, for there are usually a small 
family of them. With the exception of their tin- 
selled indigo -blue coat, there is certainly very 
little to admire in them. But what they lack in 
beauty they make up for in other ways. There 
are many of their handsomer cousins whose his- 
