LIFE IN THE INSECT WORLD. 85 



proves that it only throws itself into this posi- 

 tion, that it may be able more readily to pounce 

 upon its prey. 



While the life of the Mantis has been thus 

 carefully preserved on account of its devo- 

 tional attitude, the Turks have considered it an 

 equally solemn duty to destroy a certain species 

 of Lizard, common in the East, because, by 

 always going about with its head bent down- 

 ward, they believed it intended to mimic them 

 at their prayers. 



Superstition has always been one of the great- 

 est enemies to the improvement and happiness 

 of man ; but as the world is becoming more en- 

 lightened, many of these foolish notions are 

 gradually passing away. About one hundred 

 and fifty years ago, persons afflicted with any 

 disease which affected them strangely, and 

 which could not be accounted for, as well as 

 those suffering from derangement of mind, or 

 manifesting any striking peculiarities, were be- 

 lieved to be possessed of evil spirits, or, as they 

 termed it, bewitched ; and the individual who 

 was suspected of having exerted this influence 

 over them, was liable to be tried before the 

 8* 



