188 SOME OBSERVED IX WINTER. 



insects enjoying these festive meetings, in winter we 

 observe they are confined exclusively to the males of 

 the Tipulida. These insects differ exceedingly in 

 size and colour. Some (Hke T. crocata, abundant 

 about Shane's Castle) are splendidly adorned mth 

 bands of yellow. Others, of larger dimensions, and 

 more homely attire {T. oleracea), will amuse you, if 

 you watch them as I have done, holding the body 

 erect, while piercing the ground and depositing an 

 e^g, then moving an inch or two, and repeating the 

 operation with untiring perseverance. It is, how- 

 ever, to the smaller kinds you are most likely to 

 attend ; for in every winter walk they force them- 

 selves on your notice, when the sun is at all 

 warm, and your ramble not in an exposed locality. 

 Even when the pond rings with the evolutions 

 of the skaters, when Winter sits enthroned in all 

 his regal splendour, apparelled in his " diadem of 

 snows," — there they are, undeterred by cold, uncon- 

 scious of the torpidity of the scene around, disport- 

 ing in a manner as cheerful as incessant. Often, 

 when the quick motion of a smart walk has given 

 rise to pleasurable emotions, which Dr. Johnson, in 

 his post-chaise, might regard with emy, have I 

 looked with delight upon these happy insects, and 

 felt that their existence gave a new charm to the 

 prospect. 



