236 LIFE IN THE INSECT WOULD. % 



little creatures perform their part, by twinkling 

 like so many minute stars in the grass and 

 bushes around us. All testify of the goodness 

 of the Creator. Each seems to say, in its own 

 peculiar language, " Our God is love !" 



Harriet. I have always been worried when 

 1 have seen children tear fire-flies to pieces, to 

 get the light. I think it is very cruel. 



Jlunt M. It is indeed very wrong, and I 

 think there are few children who would be 

 willing to indulge in such cruelty if they could 

 be made sensible of the pain they inflict. But 

 they do not feel it themselves, and the little in- 

 sect struggles feebly in their hands, and makes 

 no noise ; it cannot tell its sufferings. They do 

 not seem to remember that they are thus de- 

 priving one happy little being of the life to 

 which it has an equal right with themselves. 



Mary. If they knew more about insects, 

 they would not be so cruel to them. 



Jiunt M. Perhaps not. But we must not 

 be guilty of cruelty ourselves by keeping our 

 prisoner longer than necessary. You may now 

 let it go and enjoy itself among its companions. 



The fire-flies of tropical countries are much 



