

The insects chosen for this Vignette are such as afford examples either of 

 longevity, of brevity of existence, or of great disproportions in the length of 

 its several stages. The Brown Weevil (Curculio), a feeder on decayed wood, 

 at the right hand corner, gives an instance of longevity, contrasted by the 

 brief duration of the Ephemeral Day -fly (Baetii), which rises upwards on the 

 left. In this Ephemera there are two instead of (as in E. vufgata) three fila- 

 ments, proceeding from the extremity of the body. On the right, is a common 

 Cockchafer (Melolontha vulgaris); another of the same species, just arrived at 

 maturity, is pushing upwards from the grass ; while.a third, yet in its stage of 

 larva, is exhibited in the ground beneath. In this, its form of imperfection, it 

 exists within the earth for several years, living in the air as a perfect insect 

 for perhaps a fortnight. On the oak-leaf to the left are two leaf-galls, one 

 exhibiting its enclosed grub a long liver, as compared with the little Gall-fly 

 (Cynips Quercus folii), which is seen in upward flight above. 



SHORT LIVES AND LONG. 



UR chosen emblems of fragility are flowers ; 

 and, fixed by the laws of their creation to one 

 spot, where they bud, and bloom, and wither 

 beneath our eye, we have been compelled, 

 almost, to notice their brevity, and are sensible^ 



at times, of the moral odour which exhales from the union of 



their beauty and fragility. 



