EIYER GARDENS; 



somewhat similar in form to those of the Water 

 Beetle tribe, and, when about to change, it is very 

 interesting to observe them leaving the water, and 

 attaching themselves to the leaf of a reed or rush, 

 just above the surface, where they become a kind of 

 chrysalis, from the dull black husk of which the 

 gaily coloured Dragon Ply eventually emerges. 



A few of the larvae of the Gnat should be placed 

 in the Aquarium, if only to observe the interesting 

 pupa or chrysalis state of this little creature. When 

 the active little larva that we so often see frisking 

 in sudden bounds in tanks of rain-water, is about to 

 undergo his change from a water larva, or swim- 

 ming maggot, to a graceful, aerial creature, his pupa 

 form ascends to the surface of the water, where it 

 floats in a singular, boat-like shape, till the creature 

 within the tiny ark is fully developed ; at which 

 period it is a most interesting sight to watch his 

 efforts to escape from his floating prison, and see 

 him at last take flight from its tiny prow to weave 

 his mazes in the warm summer air. 



But in hastening to speak of the mere wonderful 

 metamorphoses of the Gnat and Dragon Ply, I have 

 omitted to mention some other species of Water 

 Beetles which might form interesting subjects for 

 observation in an Aquarium. Among these are the 



