6 THE CLASSES* 



have two pairs of large wings set near the head, the 

 under ones of some fold double, and all close together 

 along the back and slope down over the sides like the 

 roof of a house, in an irregular triangular form com- 

 mencing like a point at the shoulders and growing 

 broader to the ends. The top of the head, shoulders, 

 and exposed parts of the folded wings, are in general 

 set with a fine short down, which fringes the edges of 

 the wings, and glistens in the sun with rich reflections ; 

 the under wings and parts are plain ; their thighs are 

 thick and fleshy, their legs long, and set with like small 

 feet similar to the moths to which they seem akin ; 

 and they sport on the wing much more in the dusk and 

 twilight than in the day time ; they are in general ten- 

 der and susceptible of cold a warm evening shews 

 many of the species up in great numbers, when they 

 are very active and nimble, flying off in quick whirls 

 and rounds, and running exceedingly fast. They are a 

 very numerous class, of various sizes, colors, and mot- 

 tles, varying in shade from the light coppery tinge to 

 the deep dun hue of the thunder cloud, which has 

 named them. They are all bred in the water, from 

 creepers, that are enclosed in artificial cases, singularly 

 composed around them for their preservation ; most of 

 them swarm twice a-year. The following species have 

 been under notice : 



The early Dun PAGE 17 



Granam or Greentail . . . 27 



Sanded Dun 38 



Plover 40 



Freckled " 



Light . .. . . . 41 



