MAY. 57 



evenings, when they will alight on the fisherman's garments, 

 and cast their skins on his hat or coat. Numbers may be 

 seen on the battlements of bridges, etc., the latter part of 

 this month, and nearly through June. It is curious to see 

 how dexterously they slip off their skins with their fore 

 legs, " as sharp," says the razor grinder, " as a lady doffs 

 her bonnet and shawl." 



65TH. BLACK AND YELLOW SPINNER. Length, half an 

 inch to five-eighths ; wings about the same, which are fine 

 and transparent, of a rufous brown tinge, with dark veins, 

 and a small staddle near the end ; head and top of shoul- 

 ders a fine bright yellow, with a black line down the back 

 and belly, and black spots along each side. The shoulders 

 are large, some freckled black and yellow at the sides. The 

 females are the largest and the colors not so perfect ; in 

 many the yellow is dull, and the black, brown. They 

 appear the latter part of this month, and are out daily until 

 evening, into July. There is a smaller species, about three- 

 eighths, nearly the same colors, and out much in the even- 

 ings. 



Wings, slips from the woodcock ; body, shoulders, and 

 head, yellow silk, marked and warped with black ; legs, a 

 dark red cock's hackle. 



66TH. BLACK SPINNER. Length three-eighths and one- 

 sixteenth to half an inch ; wings the same, of an inky tinge 

 and transparency ; and the fly altogether a dull black or 

 dark brown color except the thighs, which are of a dull 

 ale transparency, darkening down the legs. Appear the 

 latter end of this month, and continue into July. 



Wings from the swift, coot, or water-hen ; body, dark 

 brown silk ; legged with a black-red cock's hackle. 



67TH. BLUE SPINNER (or gnat). Full length near or 



