NATURAL HISTORY. 17 



one groove, and sometimes , they will go on 

 and make as many. as six without stopping. 

 That shows, boys, what perseverance will do." 



" And when it is done sawing, Uncle Philip, 

 where does it .keep its saws ?" 



" Oh, I told you they fitted in a case ; but 

 when the fly is done sawing, it uses the saws 

 to put the egg in the place cut for it, and then 

 it draws the saws almost entirely into the 

 case, and drops upon the egg a sort of frothy 

 stuff like a drop of soap-lather." 



" What is that for ?" 



" I suppose it is to glue the egg fast, or else 

 to keep the juices in the bush from hurt- 

 ing it." 



" Well, this is a curious fly, Uncle Philip." 



" It is strange, boys, because you never 

 heard of it before ; but it is a cunning fly, as 

 well as a curious one." 



What does it do, Uncle Philip ?" 



" Why, when it is frightened, it will fold 

 up its case and saws under its body, and draw 

 up its legs, and pretend to be dead ; and then 

 it will not move, even if you stick a pin 

 through it." 



"Can you tell us any thing more about 

 this fly r 



B2 



