298 DKAGON-FLY. 



sharp claws, you will then have as accurate an idea as my 

 powers of description can give of the strange conformation of 

 the under lip in the larva? of these insects, which conceals the 

 mouth and face precisely as I have supposed a similar con- 

 struction of your lip would do yours. When at rest, this mask 

 applies close to, and covers the face ; when they would make 

 use of it, they unfold it like an arm, catch the prey at which 

 they aim by means of the mandibuliform plates, and then 

 partly refold it so as to hold the prey to the mouth in the 

 most convenient position for operation of the two pair of jaws 

 with which they are provided." Eeaumur proposes, jokingly, 

 the adoption by masqueraders of some such physiognomic 

 apparatus wherewith to astonish the " Demoiselles," and win 

 their admiring horror by putting it into devouring action at 

 the supper-table. 



Let us now leave our crawling masked assassin to wallow in 

 mud and murder at the bottom of his pond, and delight our 

 eyes by looking at an insect of surpassing brilliancy and beauty, 

 disporting on the wing above the water. Its graceful shape, 

 brilliant colours, and glittering gauzy wings, have won it from 

 the gallant French the appellation of Demoiselle. Among our- 

 selves it is known better by the names of Horse-stinger and 

 Dragon-Fly. The first is a misnomer, because, to horses, it is 

 entirely harmless; but amongst the insect crew it is a veritable 

 dragon, to the full, as fierce and cruel as our murderer in the 

 mask. No wonder ! for it is his very self, one, at least, of 



