OR, THE HOME-CULTURE OF FRESH- WATER PLANTS. 



perceived a division in the blackened skin of the 

 back. As I saw that the opening widened, my 

 curiosity became again excited, and I determined to 

 watch and see if any other change would follow. 

 Taking a book, therefore, I sat down near the object 

 of my attention. I had not read many pages, turn- 

 ing frequently towards the remains upon the stick, 

 when suddenly I shall never forget the surprise of 

 that moment when suddenly, the opening of the 

 back was much widened, as by some sudden effort, 

 and the greater part of a glittering Dragon-fly be- 

 came plainly visible ; very quickly the whole insect 

 emerged from the blackened shell, spreading its 

 great gossamer wings to the sun, which was shining 

 brightly through the window. 



I had, by a lucky accident for I can hardly call 

 it the result of a course of observation witnessed 

 one of the most extraordinary and complete of the 

 metamorphoses that occur in the whole range of 

 insect life, and was all anxiety to pursue my dis- 

 coveries. I was, however, baffled in all future 

 attempts, at that time, to extend my knowledge of 

 the mysterious creatures of the world of waters, and 

 it was not till recent discoverers have shown how 

 the Aquarium may be made the means of facilitating 

 studies of that class, combined with an elegant and 



