

The winged insect in the centre of the vignette is the common Sewer- Fly 

 (Eristalis tenax)', beneath, on the bank, are three pupae of the same, remark- 

 able for their rat-like tails ; three others are shown at a distance within the 

 hollow of a decayed willow. Three of the grubs, or larvae, also rat- tailed, arid 

 notable for their tough skins and consequent tenacity of life, appear in the 

 water to the left, but drains and sewers are more properly their habitat. 



LEASES OF LIFE. 



HE Demon of Frost set out, one dark Novem- 

 ber morning, to do the bidding of the grim 

 monarch Death. He passed over a forest, 

 and the last leaves of autumn fell in countless 

 thousands at his touch. He passed over a 

 desolate moor, and meeting a benighted traveller, he heaped 

 his snow bed, piped his shrill lullaby, and whistled at knowing it 



