Transformation of the common Gnat, Cukx pipiens, the eggs united in a 

 boat-like form ; the aquatic larva suspended, head downwards ; the pupa with 

 head upwards ; and, last stage of all, the pupa with the winged gnat emerging 

 from it. 



THE GNAT. A LIFE OF BUOYANCY. 



HERE are certain temperaments which, hard 

 as iron, are only acted on, precisely like that 

 sturdy metal, by atmospheric changes. In dull, 

 damp weather they gather an additional coat of 

 rustiness or crustiness, while the finest and driest 

 fails to produce any visible effect upon their aspect or temper. 

 When, however, one grain of mental mercury enters into the 

 compound, our spirits cannot choose but rise at the exhila- 

 rating influence of a bright winter's morning. Besides the 

 effects, merely physical, of a clear bracing frost, the sunshine 



