26 LIFE IN THE INSECT WORLD. 



the proper season, they are taken off, killed, 

 dried, and sent to different parts of the world. 



The nest of the gall-fly forms the principal 

 ingredient of which ink is made ; and the Span- 

 ish fly (so called because it abounds in Spain) 

 is used in making blistering ointment. 



Anna. I have noticed little bright green 

 specks in the blistering ointment ; are they the 

 flies? 



Aunt M. Yes, they are the flies ground to 

 powder; their color is beautiful, but they have 

 a disagreeable smell. 



There are other and more important uses of 

 insects, of which I may tell you at a future time, 

 if you agree to the proposal I am about to make 

 you. 



Anna. What is that, Aunt Mary ! 



Aunt M. I have been telling you of insects 

 in general ; of the way in which they are formed, 

 &c.; and although these things are very impor- 

 tant to be known, they are not likely to be as 

 interesting to children as accounts of their habits 

 and modes of living. Now, if you think you 

 would like to hear it, I shall be glad to spend a 

 part of each evening, when I am not otherwise 



