302 THE GLOWWORM. 



his view entirely to what is before or below him. 

 The first serves to direct his flight, the other pre- 

 sents the object of his pursuit ; and as we com- 

 monly, and with advantage, place our hand over 

 the brow, to obstruct the rays of light falling from 

 above, which enables us to see clearer an object on 

 the ground, so must the projecting hood of "this 

 creature converge the visual rays to a point beneath. 

 This is a very curious provision for the purposes of 

 the insect, if my conception of its design be rea- 

 sonable. Possibly the same ideas may have been 

 brought forward by others ; but as I have not seen 

 them, I am not guilty of any undue appropriation ; 

 and no injury can be done to the cause I wish to 

 promote, by detailing again such beautiful and 

 admirable contrivances. 



Glowworms emit light only for a short period in 

 the year ; and I have but partially observed it after 

 the middle of July. I have collected many of 

 these pretty creatures on a bank before my house, 

 into which they retire during the winter, to shine 

 out again when revived by the summer's warmth ; 

 but in this latter season I have frequently missed 

 certain of my little proteges, and have reason to 

 apprehend that they formed the banquet of a toad, 

 that frequented the same situation. 



Observing, above, that the glowworm does not 

 emit light after the 14th of July, I mean thereby 

 that clear, steady light which has rendered this 

 creature so remarkable to all persons ; for I have 

 repeatedly noticed, deep in the herbage, a faint 



