MAY. 131 



In the lakes, and streams, saw some Roach, Rudd, Perch, Minnows, 

 a school of Dace (as my friend who was with me remarked), and a 

 few Jack, the fresh-water Shark I 



A great many Orange-tip Butterflies out to day. How delicately- 

 marked these are. A few Frogs hopping about the hedge banks, some 

 fairly large young ones. 



A pretty Ladybird settled on my hand to-day. The ground colour 

 was greyish-brown, with seven spots on either side of the black line 

 which runs down the centre. Cannot these minute creatures move 

 quickly when occasion requires? Ladybirds are most useful, especially 

 their larva, which feed on the Green, and other Flies. 



Noticed to-day the Cuckoo Spit, or Frog Hopper. Most country 

 people have observed the white froth which may be seen at this season 

 of the year on leaves, and stalks, in the garden and along the hedge- 

 row. Few, however, know what it is, or that in the midst of it may 

 be found the larva of the Froth Fly. It is a soft greenish yellow 

 insect, with six legs, and broad head. The reason it is enveloped in 

 the froth may be for protection from the heat, or for the purpose of 

 concealment. The mature Froth Fly is a wonderful jumper, and, 

 although not more than a quarter of an inch in length, is said to leap 

 a distance of six feet, which means that it can jump 288 times its own 

 length! The name of Cuckoo Spit was given to the larva because of 

 the old notion that it was the saliva of the Cuckoo. Walton was in 

 error in his "Compleat Angler" in stating that it was the young 

 Grasshopper. 



28th. Dull, and showery. Splendid growing weather. There was 

 an eclipse of the Sun to-day. I watched it in London. It took place 

 between 3 and 5 p.m., and was quite visible to the naked eye. First 

 there was a little touch on the bottom of the sun, then a well-defined 

 swelling, as if a cloud with a roundish top had got in the way. 

 Slowly, but steadily, the shadow of the Moon marked across the Sun, 

 until the latter looked like a new Moon. Then, when all was over, 

 the Sun again shone out with great brilliancy, and splendour. The air, 

 being so clear, the eclipse was witnessed for the first time by a great 

 many persons. 



Skylark soaring, and singing, at 8.45 p.m. It is light until that 

 hour now. 



29th. Strong Westerly breezes, but brilliant hot sunshine. The 

 Broom is in flower beautifully now. How delicate the yellow petals 



