SECOND WEEK] August 219 



vellous way to follow the faintest scent up wind may 

 have difficulties when cross currents of air are encountered; 

 but the female firefly, waiting patiently upon her lowly 

 leaf, has unequalled opportunity for winning her mate, 

 for there is nothing to compare with or eclipse her flame. 

 Except I wonder if ever a firefly has hastened down- 

 ward toward the strange glow which we sometimes see in 

 the heart of decayed wood, mistaking a patch of fox-fire 

 for the love-light of which he was in search! 



In other species, including the common one about 

 our homes, the lady lightning-bug is more fortunate in 

 possessing wings and is able to fly abroad like her mate. 



Although this phosphorescence has been microscopically 

 examined, it is but slightly understood. We know, how- 

 ever, that it is a wonderful process of combustion, by 

 which a bright light is produced without heat, smoke, or 

 indeed fuel, except that provided by the life processes in 

 the tiny body of the insect. 



So shines a good deed in a naughty world. 



SHAKESPEARE. 



