CONTENTS. xi 



Page 



" Such mistresses dare never come in rain 

 For fear their colours should be washed away ; " 



of equal application to the summer-day flutterer of fashion, and this, 

 her prototype of the insect world, the Cynthia of the Thistle, upon 

 which plant she loves to regale as a spiny caterpillar, before putting 

 on her butterfh' attire 128 



MAY. 



18. THE LADYBIRD OF OUR CHILDHOOD . . . .129 



" No doubt, Sir, an Entomologist?" The author, in his character 

 of Acheta domestica, makes a new acquaintance, who keeps Lady- 

 birds 137 



19. COMING OUT 138 



" See, Heaven's own emblem of the soul." The sinner exhorted, by 

 the symbol of insect transformation, to (t come out " from the sen- 

 sual debasements of his fallen nature . . . . . .149 



20. THINGS OF A DAY 150 



" These stand their purposed day." An ephemeral establishment 

 for ephemeral education ; one, as the other, temporary in design 

 rotten in foundation 155 



21. INSECT MAGICIANS 156 



" Oh! most royal retribution!" Subject to the wand of a Fairy 

 Cynips, the shade of the Merry Monarch sits imprisoned in an oak- 

 apple 163 



JUNE. 



22. A LOVE AMONG THE ROSES 164 



" There's a pet for you!" Stag-Beetle, Lucanus Cervus, exhibits 

 its playful propensities by tossing a ball of cotton on its horns no 

 fancy, but attested fact 171 



23. THE TRIBES OF AN OAK 172 



" Even the acorn has its appropriator" A golden Cicada, a little 

 shovel-headed frequenter of the Oak, plays the part of Jehu to a 

 " Devil's Coach-horse" (or Rove Beetle), harnessed to an acorn car 181 



24. A FEW FRIENDS OF OUR SUMMER GLADNESS . .182 



" Sipping their cups of dew." A. trio of thirsty Buttei flies, the 

 demoiselles Pontia and Vanessa seated foremost at their leafy board 191 



