8 



a short distance, and, settling again, running along the ground, and so leisurely closing their 

 beautiful wings; and often uttering their interesting cry, sometimes almost as if to make their 

 appearance more charming to the observer, and also as if talking to him. I know of no more 

 elegant bird than this ; the lovely distribution of colour at times, bright when the sun shines, 

 and at other times when the bird is still, it can hardly be distinguished from the ground on which it 

 stands. Should you raise your uncovered head a little, perhaps those near will be alarmed, and 

 look about; but should you keep still, they will take courage again. If you raise your head 

 a little higher, those near fly a little further off, and settle again. Should you rise gradually, 

 they leisurely rise, those nearest going first, and followed by the others, till all are on the wing, 

 when they get into a flock, often circling round you at a distance, and after flying round once 

 or twice they take their departure, not seeming to like to trust your suspicious movements 

 any longer. 



INSECTS. 



What a field we have for contemplation in every group of these ! If we take the beetles, what 

 varieties in shape, size, habits, and colour. What sort of power did it require to create these as 

 they are, and how wonderfully adapted each is to exist for every purpose for which created! 

 some as scavengers to devour carrion, others in various ways to clear away the overgrowths of 

 the forests ; the most gigantic trees not escaping destruction from such a comparatively insig- 

 nificant enemy. Some kinds beginning their work at the seeds even the grub finding lodgings in 

 the hard nut, the kernel being about sufficient for its nourishment so long as it required it in 

 its then form. 



