CONTENTS. 



25. LE LUCCIOLE. 



The Flying Glow-worms of Southern Europe (Lampyris Italica), known in 

 Italy as " Le Lucciole," are the insects here represented . . . 140 



. 



" Thou skaU not want for diamonds." 



The Lucciole, to the Italian peasant objects of dread, have been by the Italian 

 lady employed as articles of decoration living gems imprisoned in gauze 

 for adornment of her hair 159 



26. LEASES OF LIFE. 



The winged insect in the centre of the vignette is the common Sewer-Fly (Eris- 

 talis tenax) / beneath, on the bank, are three pupae of the same, remarkable 

 for their rat-like tails ; three others are shown at a distance within the hol- 

 low of a decayed willow. Three of the grubs, or larvae, also rat-tailed, and 

 notable for their tough skins and consequent tenacity of life, appear in the 

 water to the left, but drains and sewers are more properly their inhabit 160 



" They set me at defiance /" 



The power of death defied miraculously by a swarm of Bees, which, according 

 to an accredited relation, became revivified under process of boiling with 

 their combs ...... * ..... 173 



27. A SYLVAN MORALITY, OE A WORD TO WIVES. 



The three large insects in the foreground are females of the Brown Ant (For- 

 mica JBrunnea), called sometimes Ant-flies. Two of them are actively 

 employed in pulling off their own wings, the third having already divested 

 herself of these appendages. The smaller Ants upon the ground are 

 workers of the same species ; those in flight a male and female . . 174 



" Arrayed in likeness of the Faery Queen." 



Acheta Domestica in his study surprised by the appearance of the young wife, 

 attired for a fancy ball, in character of Queen Mab . 191 



