* NATURAL HISTORY. 163 



the insect along ; for though it has six feet, it 

 uses them very little except for catching food. 

 It drives the water out so strongly against 

 the still water behind it, that it sends it for- 

 ward, with a dart, very rapidly. Here are 

 two pictures ; one shows the pump open, and 

 the other shows it shut." 



Uncle Philip, is there any thing else cu- 

 rious about this insect ?" 



"There is, boys, something well worth 

 attention ; did you ever see a mask?" 



" Do you mean, Uncle Philip, a face made 

 of pasteboard, very frightful commonly, which 

 you can wear over your own face ?" 



" That is a mask, boys ; but so is any thing 

 which is made to wear over the face, and hide 

 it. Now this little insect has a mask, not 

 made like a man's face, but which completely 

 hides its mouth, and it is exceedingly curious." 



" How is it made, Uncle Philip ?" 



" Why, boys, I am not sure that I can tell 



