A WINGED GEM 



June jotk 



HIS is the week when we may go pros- 

 pecting for our first specimens of gold 

 and emeralds, for the copses and old stone 

 walls will soon prove mines of wealth lit- 

 erally begemmed with jewels. We have 

 seen many entomological enthusiasts who have exclaim- 

 ed with wonder and admiration at the brilliant beetle 

 of the tropics, little dreaming that a few moments' walk 

 along their own garden fence perhaps might have shown 

 them a hundred native specimens which may challenge 

 the Brazilian species for brilliancy. We have two not- 

 able examples, and while neither of them is very large, 

 they are marvels of glitter and refulgence. 



There is the little gold beetle, for instance, which 

 should have the first place Cassida aurichalcea. Where 

 can he be matched in the world for the pure lustre of 

 burnished gold? He is the brightest gem of concen- 

 trated metallic glitter that the whole beetle kingdom 



