CONTENTS. xi 



Page 

 " Such mistresses dare never come in rain 



For fear their colours should be washed away ; " 

 of equal application to the summer-day flutterer of fashion, and this, 

 her prototype of the insect world, the Cynthia of the Thistle, upon 

 which plant she loves to regale as a spiny caterpillar, before putting 

 on her butterfly attire 128 



MAY. 



18. THE LADYBIRD OF OUR CHILDHOOD . . , . .129 



" No doubt, Sir, an Entomologist?" The author, in his character 

 of A-cheta. domestica, makes a new acquaintance, who keeps Lady- 

 birds ... . .137 



19. COMING OUT 138 



"See, Heaven's own emblem of the sowZ." The sinner exhorted, by 

 the symbol of insect transformation, to " come out " from the sen- 

 sual debasements of his fallen nature . . . . . 149 



20. THINGS OF A DAY . * . . . . '. . . 150 



" These stand their purposed day." An ephemeral establishment 

 for ephemeral education ; one, as the other, temporary in design- 

 rotten in foundation . ... . . ** . . . .155 



21. INSECT MAGICIANS ... . . . . . . 156 



" Oh! most royal retribution!" Subject to the wand of a Fairy 

 Cynips, the shade of the Merry Monarch sits imprisoned in an oak- 

 apple . . . . . . .... . . 163 



JUNE. 



22. A LOVE AMONG THE ROSES . . . ,j^* 164 



" There's a pet for you!" Stag-Beetle, Lucanus Cervus, exhibits 

 its playful propensities by tossing a ball of cotton on its horns no 

 fancy, but attested fact . . . . . . .. .171 



23. THE TRIBES OF AN OAK . . ' . * ' 172 



" Even the acorn has its appropriator." A golden Cicada, a little 

 shovel-headed frequenter of the Oak, plays the part of Jehu to a 

 " Devil's Coach-horse " (or Rove Beetle), harnessed to an acorn car 181 



24. A FEW FRIENDS OF OUR SUMMER GLADNESS . . 182 



" Sipping their cups of dew." A trio of thirsty Butterflies, the 

 demoiselles Pontia and Vanessa seated foremost at their leafy board 191 



