328 NATURALIST'S CABINET. 



Instance of this animal's sagacity. 



spot, resembling mold or mildew, which on mi- 

 nute examination, was found to be fine white 

 sand, delicately closing up a hole made by the 

 apis maxillosa, and where, no doubt, there were 

 young bees deposited. In deep holes that were 

 not closed the insect not only thrust in the whole 

 tube, but in some cases the whole of the abdo- 

 men and posterior legs, leaving out only the two 

 fore feet and wings, which it placed in contrary 

 directions like arms. The two cases of the tube 

 were also projected up the back, with the ends 

 appearing above the head out of the hole. 



The following is a remarkable instance of little 

 animals* sagacity. While it had its tube insert- 

 ed, the cases were, as usual, projected upwards 

 out of the hole ; and the wind being very power- 

 ful rendered it difficult for this delicate animal 

 to maintain its situation, as these long cases were 

 so strongly acted upon by the wind as to endan- 

 ger its being overset several times. To remedy 

 this inconvenience, with a wonderful dexterity, 

 it brought the cases down between its legs, and 

 projected them forwards under its body toward 

 the head ; by which means it securely retained 

 its situation. 



The great dragon fly is about four inches, and 

 a proportionate thickness. The eyes are blue 

 and large. The thorax is variegated with green, 

 yellow, and black: and the abdomen generally 

 with blue and black ; but the colours vary consi- 

 derably. The mouth is armed with jaws; the 



