8 HIBERNATION OF LADY-BIRDS. 



It is mostly in cold weather that Lady -birds love (like the 

 rest of us) to creep into snug corners, and then, also, either for 

 the sake of warmth or company, they display social propen- 

 sities not observable amongst their tribe in summer. It is true 

 that in sunshine and the milder seasons, when they most 

 abound, they are often to be seen by scores in company ; but 

 on these occasions it is pretty evident that, as with a flock of 

 vultures on a battle-field, where their prey is there (and 

 thereby attracted) they are gathered together. But some other 

 and, probably, more social motive would seem to draw towards 

 one another the congregated Lady-birds which towards and 

 during winter are often found assembled in the same hyberna- 

 culum, sometimes by two and threes, but jnore often in num- 

 bers which preclude the supposition of each having made its 

 way by accident to the same cranny. We found last Novem- 

 ber in a hole of a gate-post no fewer than fifteen of these red- 

 coated comrades laid up, doubtless, for their winter's sleep, to 

 be broken only in open weather by an occasional stroll in 

 search of some of the hardier Aphides which furnish them, be- 

 tween their long abstinences, with no unwelcome meal. 



We know of nothing else remarkable about the Lady-bird, 

 except one personal peculiarity not of the most agreeable sort, 

 with which none who have ever handled this little insect can 

 fail to be acquainted: we mean,, of course, that peculiar 

 odour which has led some people to confound it in idea, as 

 well as appellation, with an insect whose very name savours of 



