42 INSECT LIFE IN POND AND STREAM 



deep the little things have great difficulty in 

 coming up to the surface to breathe ; then, 

 in spite of being Water insects, as soon as 

 their air-bubbles become exhausted these 

 funny little grubs will drown. 



CHAPTER VI 



THE DRAGON OF THE POOL 



IF we visit a pool or a rippling stream on a 

 hot summer's day, we are sure to find many 

 little insect folk flitting about, rejoicing in the 

 warmth and brightness of the sun. Gay 

 butterflies and dainty little moths come down 

 to visit the water's edge, fluttering amongst 

 the flowering rushes, the meadow-sweet, the 

 willow-herb, and all the other water-loving 

 plants that grow together on the banks. 

 Bright little beetles climb about the grasses, 

 and gauzy-winged flies without number dart 

 and whirl about overhead and skim lightly 

 over the surface of the water below. 



Of all the bright and graceful insects that 

 haunt the water- side none are more brilliant 

 and splendid than the Dragon-flies. Glorious 



