84 LIFE IN THE INSECT WORLD. 



With teeth, or with claws, it will bite, it will scratch, 



And chamber-maids christen this worm a Death- Watch ; 



Because, like a watch, it always cries click 



Then wo be to those in the house that are sick ! 



For, sure as a gun, they will give up the ghost, 



If the maggot cries click, when it scratches the post. 



But a kettle of scalding hot water injected, 



Infallibly cures the timber affected : 



The omen is broken, the danger is over ; 



The maggot will die, and the sick will recover." 



Anna. I am sure I shall never be afraid of 

 the death-watch again. 



Aunt M. I hope not. There are some other 

 insects which have also been regarded by the 

 ignorant with superstitious feeling ; one called 

 the Death's-head Moth, which makes a sort of 

 crying sound, as well as several different kinds 

 of beetles. It seems rather hard that the poor 

 little creatures are not allowed to use their na- 

 tural language, without being looked upon with 

 dread and horror. 



There is an insect called the Praying Mantis, 

 which the ancients considered sacred, and would 

 not suffer to be killed ; because, as it was fre- 

 quently observed holding up its fore paws in the 

 attitude of prayer, they believed it to be extreme- 

 ly devout. But more enlightened observation 



