INSECT INTRUDERS. 



curious insect, surely some pre-historic 

 remnant of a past giant race of insects 

 the Mantis or Praying Insect. A fierce 

 predatory beast this who will take dinner 

 with you with the greatest assurance and 

 without a by-your-leave ; for your softly 

 draped lights ensure for him many a 

 delicacy and fat toothsome morsel. But 

 one thing is likely to upset his careless 

 and dignified equanimity and that the 

 blundering stupidity and awkwardness of 

 those ever unwelcome guests, the great 

 heavy black Scavenger Beetle 

 or thick set Cockchafer, whose 

 booming ill-directed flight 

 appears ever to propel them 

 with a wearying and unvary- 

 ing directness against the 

 nearest object which will en- 

 sure their downfall with that 

 well-known dull thud. Their appearance 

 on the scene is the sure precursor of 

 a prompt and hurried exit on the part 

 of the fairer sex and an unrehearsed 

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