DRAGON FLIES 



witness the transformation can have any idea of its 

 romantic interest and fascination. At last the Dragon 

 Fly frees itself from inside the cuticle, or old skin, but 

 clings tightly to it for anchorage and support, whilst 

 its body and wings lengthen almost before one's eyes. 

 Gradually the body and wings attain their full extent, 

 the outer covering and the wings harden on contact 

 with the air, the latter are then spread cross-wise for 



Tigr. 30. Grcar 



Dracron Fl^ 



the first time, in readiness for flight, and away goes this 

 insect-dragon of the air upon its initial voyage through 

 space (Fig. 30). It is a dramatic moment to witness, 

 and worth going a long way to see. Some species are 

 slow fliers, others possess ease, speed, and facility. To 



71 



