STRAW-COLOURED GNAT. 51 



Had its pellucid nature been its only quality, as an 

 object for tbe microscope, it would have been wortby of 

 attention ; but it possesses others which render it a sub- 

 ject of the highest admiration to all who have seen it 

 under a good instrument. 



This larva, which is produced from an egg deposited 

 by the perfect insect, inhabits still waters, and may be 

 found in canals and clear ponds which have a sandy or 

 gravelly bottom, but is seldom met with in places where 

 there is much herbage or water grass. In 1829, it was 

 found remarkably abundant in the small ponds in Epping 

 Forest ; and in the same year, a fine large variety was 

 met with near Killarney, in Ireland. 



The most certain time to procure it is during the 

 months of May and June, though it may occasionally 

 be obtained on warm days in December and the other 

 winter months, provided the wind is not very high a 

 circumstance which it is important to attend to, and 

 which will be again adverted to in our remarks on the 

 weather best suited for procuring aquatic insects. 



The best method of obtaining this creature is by means 

 of a collecting net, made of linen cloth, which, after 



being immersed in the water, near the edge, must be 

 taken out, and its contents removed into a glass jar. 



