FLIES AND THEIR WATER BABIES 65 



amongst the stones and weeds. Strange to 

 say, although May-flies take two, or sometimes 

 three years to grow up, their winged life lasts 

 only for a few hours. Although they are 

 called " May-flies " these graceful little insects 

 may be seen at times all through the summer. 

 They rise from the water towards sunset, and 

 spend their short life dancing gaily in the air, 

 often round and round some tall tree nearly 

 all die before the morning. For although 

 next day, as the sun sinks to rest, May-flies 

 are again seen merrily dancing round the 

 very same tree, they are not the same flies, 

 but a new dancing party that has risen from 

 the water. 



The pretty May -flies go through one more 

 change in their lives than most insects. 

 Directly they quit the water they cast a 

 second, very thin and delicate skin. Quanti- 

 ties of these little over-coats are often seen 

 hanging on the trees and grasses round about 

 the pond, and are sometimes called " May-fly 

 ghosts." 



Most water insects like quiet pools best, 

 and are not at all particular about the water 

 being clean. Indeed, many prefer stagnant 

 water, for there they are sure of finding plenty 



