MONG my somewhat numerous corre- 

 spondence from young people, I recall 

 several wondering inquiries about a certain fat, 

 floundering "beetle," as "blue as indigo"; and 

 when we consider how many other observing 

 youngsters, including youngsters of larger growth, 

 have looked upon this uncouth shape in the path, 

 lawn, or pasture, will speculate as to its life his- 

 tory, it is perhaps well to make this floundering 

 blue beetle better acquainted with his unappre- 

 ciative neighbors. 



What are the lazy blue insects doing down 

 there in the grass, for there are usually a small 

 family of them. With the exception of their tin- 

 selled indigo -blue coat, there is certainly very 

 little to admire in them. But what they lack in 

 beauty they make up for in other ways. There 

 are many of their handsomer cousins whose his- 



