204 THE LOG OF THE SUN 



mate, for there is nothing to compare with or 

 eclipse her flame. Except — I wonder if ever a 

 firefly has hastened downward toward the strange 

 glow which we sometimes see in the heart of de- 

 cayed wood, — mistaking a patch of fox-fire for 

 the love-light of which he was in search ! 



In other species, including the common one 

 about our homes, the lady lightning-bug is more 

 fortunate in possessing wings and is able to fly 

 abroad like her mate. 



Although this phosphorescence has been mic- 

 roscopically examined, it is but slightly under- 

 stood. We know, however, that it is a wonderful 

 process of combustion, — by which a bright light is 

 produced without heat, smoke, or indeed fuel, 

 except that provided by the life processes in the 

 tiny body of the insect. 



So shines a good deed in a naughty world. 



Shakespeare. 





