280 THE DRAGON-FLY. 



entomologist, but was new to me. The species I 

 do not know, as it never arrived at perfection. This 

 case was formed of the fine silky substance that 

 wraps up so many of the race. The summit for 

 some cause was less closed than usual ; but to ob- 

 viate any injury to the creature from this circum- 

 stance, a conical hood of similar materials was 

 placed over the exposed part of the aurelia, through 

 which it received air in perfect security. This veil 

 being formed of elastic threads, and opening upon 

 pressure, would constitute no impediment to the 

 escape of the fly when perfected. A, (Plate 5, Fig. 

 1) the case and its hood ; B, the hood detached. 

 More care and forethought than these contrivances 

 manifest we are not acquainted with for any order 

 of beings. I conjecture it would have produced 

 the emperor moth. 



June 16. I this day captured in a neighbouring 

 meadow a fine specimen of the four-spotted dragon- 

 fly (libellula quadrimaculata) , and note this for 

 my entomological friends ; being the first certain 

 instance I am acquainted with of its being taken in 

 England of late years, for Kay mentions it. Ano- 

 ther, I believe, escaped by its shyness. It is a 

 handsome creature, about three inches in breadth 

 between the extremities of its wings. The two 

 dark linear marks on the upper margin of each 

 wing, and tapering downy body, distinguish this 

 fly from any other. I can add nothing regarding 

 its history or manners. 



