FLOWERS AND INSECTS 143 



green object with moss-like fringe in place 

 of feet; it moves by inflations. I put it on 

 its back, and by these same inflations, be- 

 ginning at the tail and running upward 

 toward the head, it arched itself more and 

 more until its balance was destroyed and 

 it tipped over, right side up. It is a nota- 

 ble simulator of a leaf, and might easily be 

 concealed by its color in vegetation. 



Men, also, take on more shape and color 

 from their diet, their work, and their sur- 

 roundings than we realize. There is still 

 some granite in the New England charac- 

 ter, some heat in the tropical temperament. 

 Sometimes, though, it does n't improve 

 one to become an adult. He is better in 

 the larval stage of youth. Life mocks us 

 when it reverses a promise. I used to 

 know a juvenile phenomenon. At sixteen 

 he played on the piano uncommonly well 

 with his fingers. His music lacked soul. 

 " Never you mind," said his father, with a 

 wise nod ; " all that Nicodemus needs to 

 finish him is to fall in love. Then you '11 

 hear expression. Then you '11 find warmth. 

 Then you '11 get soul." Nicodemus fell in 



