18 INSECT LIFE IN POND AND STREAM 



Under his wing-cases the boatman wears a 



velvety coat, and quantities of tiny air bubbles 



become entangled in the short, soft hairs, so 



that he is entirely enclosed in a glittering film 



of air. This makes the boatman so light and 



buoyant that he has 



much difficulty in 



A keeping down under 



***** tne water. When be- 



^Mj^L^ low he anchors him- 



/M Vv se W with his short, 



^gHiLkfc front legs to a weed 



I* ^H or a stone, and directly 



/ I he lets go his hold, up 



/ I he shoots, like a cork, 



J to the top of the 



water again. 



He is a very fierce 

 and hungry little 



THE WATEK-BOATMAX. & J 



gentleman, and 



attacks and devours all sorts of water crea- 

 tures with his short, sharp beak ; he will 

 even eat one of his own relations without 

 any ceremony. So courageous is he that he 

 often kills insects much larger than himself, 

 and should you be quick enough to catch one 

 of these little Water-boatmen, he will most 



