Eyes and other Objects. 77 



it is fringed with long fine hair, which adds consider- 

 ably to its force as an oar. The insect (fig. 5) is a 

 very singular one altogether, and very common in 

 ponds all the year round, I believe j at least, I have 

 seen it in January composedly rowing about under the 

 ice. It is amusing to watch its movements when at 



No. 6. Whirligig Beetle. 



liberty; its natural position, when at rest on the 

 surface of the water, is like that represented at fig. 6, 

 floating on its back, with oars stretched out, and 

 bright eyes on the alert, so that, on the approach of 

 an enemy, it can quickly dive below with a few 

 powerful strokes. It can also fly, as represented in 



