88 THE STUDY OF ANIMAL LIFE 



calf, and lamb; they gallop, jump, and skip; a 

 wonderful example of evolution. Nature dictating 

 the best methods to gain the desired end. 



FLYING FISH 



We have already considered briefly the subject 

 of animal locomotion, and it will be remembered 

 that but scanty reference was made to the world 

 of insect life. We may, therefore, proceed to con- 

 sider a few points in connection with the flight of 

 insects, and give pride of place to the Dragon Fly. 



Some kinds of these most interesting insects can, 

 without reverting to turning, fly backwards or 

 forwards, or to right or left, equally well and 

 adroitly. The Dragon Fly is the largest four- 

 winged British insect; its local name in some dis- 

 tricts of Scotland is Bill Adder, and is by some 

 supposed to have a venomous sting in its tail, but 

 this is not the case. This insect, both in the 

 larval and winged state, is the scourge of smaller 

 insects. It is the dandy of the insect world, turns 

 out i^ full parade in hot sunshine, but is seldom 

 seen in bad weather. How it skims and flashes 

 along, coursing up and down like the Swallow, and 

 in the same line of business — swallowing flies. It 

 has a most insatiable appetite, and seems void of 

 any feeling of pain. The proof is, one may sever 



