INSECT PIRATES AND SUBMARINES 



FAR out on the ocean, when the vessel is labo- 

 riously making her way through the troughs 

 and over the crests of the great waves, little birds, 

 black save for a patch of white on the lower back, 

 are a common sight, flying with quick irregular 

 wing-beats, close to the surface of the troubled 

 waters. When they spy some edible bit floating 

 beneath them, down they drop until their tiny 

 webbed feet just rest upon the water. Then, 

 snatching up the titbit, half-flying, they patter 

 along the surface of the water, just missing being 

 engulfed by each oncoming wave. Thus they have 

 come to be named petrels — little Peters — because 

 they seem to walk upon the water. Without aid 

 from the wings, however, they would soon be im- 

 mersed, so the walking is only an illusion. 



But in our smallest ponds and brooks we may 

 see this miracle taking place almost daily, the 

 feat being accomplished by a very interesting 

 little assemblage of insects, commonly called 

 water skaters or striders. Let us place our eyes 

 as near as possible to the surface of the water 

 and watch the little creatures darting here and 

 there. 



We see that they progress securely on the top 



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