INSECTS 53 



arrangement attached to the head, known as the mask. To 

 understand the use of this appliance, let us imagine that the 

 dragon-fly larva, well hidden by its protective colouring, which 

 facilitates concealment, is resting in the lowest weeds. Should 

 some unwary creature approach, although seemingly at a safe 

 distance from the waiting larva, yet its doom is sealed, for 

 suddenly the young dragon-fly projects its mask, which is armed 

 with teeth, its prey is seized and drawn towards its mouth. So 

 successful, indeed, is this manoeuvre, that the voracious larva 

 seldom fails to obtain a sufficiency of food. As its age 

 increases, its agility decreases, until one day it climbs slowly 

 up a convenient reed. Then the case splits and the perfect 

 dragon-fly emerges, and rests awhile until its wings are dry. 



Dragon-flies have so savage an appearance that it is hardly 

 surprising that, in an age when it was customary to give every- 

 thing a -character on mere superficial evidence, they should [have 

 been labelled with a bad reputation, although harmless and 

 useful. It is thought by the ignorant to be a highly dangerous 

 beast, stories of how horses and cattle have been maimed and 

 killed are often believed ; but fortunately for the dragon-fly it 

 has been generally understood that however wicked the insect 

 might be, if left alone it would do no harm, hence a peculiar 

 neutrality between the man and the insect was gradually 

 evolved. 



The abdominal appendage, thought by many to be its sting, 

 is, of course, nothing of the kind. It is used by the male for 

 the sole and special purpose of capturing a wife. Holding her by 

 the neck, he is able to take her with him, whether she wishes to 

 come or not. 



The lovers of our country-side and its wild life will learn 

 with regret that the dragon-fly, like many other beautiful 

 objects, is becoming rarer, in particular certain species. And 

 those interested in the economy and balances of nature will 

 understand that, apart from the pity of losing so interesting 

 and beautiful an animal, there is also to take into account the 

 countless numbers of flies, detrimental to man, which will thus 

 be saved to produce their species ad libertum. 



THE GNAT 



Even the name of this creature produces a sensation of 

 horror, for although the so-called bite or sting, as some people 

 will have it, is by no means dangerous, yet the " buzz " of the 

 insect and its blood-thirsty persistence to obtain a meal at all 



