306 



DRAGON-FLIES. 



segment of the abdomen is then drawn out of the aper- 

 ture, and the insect is finally released. 



The empty skin is not in the least injured except by 

 the rent in the back. The jointed mask still remains in 

 its place, together with its jaws. The eyes seem still to 



THE DRAGON-FLY. 



be there, and the feet retain their hold so firmly, that 

 if the cast skin be wanted as a specimen, the plant can 

 be cut off, dried, and together with the clinging skin 

 placed in a suitable case. 



When thus released, the dragon-fly is at first helpless, 

 and its wings give no promise of their future beauty. 



