50 INSECT LIFE IN POND AND STREAM 

 CHAPTER VII 



THE " QUICK- WINGED GNAT " 



IF we happen to be up with the lark on a fine 

 summer's day, before the sun looks over the 

 edge of the world to say " good morning." 

 and run out in the cool grey dawn, over the 

 field and down the lane, we shall find that 

 we are not the only early risers. Faint 

 rustling sounds in the grass and in the hedge- 

 row tell us that wee, wild beasties are already 

 abroad ; sleepy chirps from the tree-tops 

 show that the birds are waking, and soon 

 will all be shouting together their joyous, 

 morning song. 



The insect folk too are astir. Down by the 

 pond at the end of the lane a faint, shrill, 

 piping note is heard as the Grey Gnat comes 

 flying down to the water. 



" Ping, ping ! " she cries, as lightly and 

 daintily she alights upon the water and rests 

 there securely without even wetting her 

 slender feet, which make but the tiniest 

 dimples in the surface-film. 



What is the Grey Gnat doing so early in the 



