252 WONDERS OF INSECT LIFE 



forms of life coming under the heading of " Insect 

 Lamplighters, Acrobats, and Musicians," results 

 in some indifferent observer being attracted to an 

 intelligent study of even a few of them, we shall be 

 deeply grateful. 



It is a scorching hot Summer's day. We are 

 seated near a sequestered pool, the banks of 

 which are fringed with various aquatic rushes. 

 Among these latter a search will reveal the beauti- 

 ful blue of the true Forget-me-not, the Brooklime, 

 Watercress, strong-smelling Water Mint, and other 

 plants too numerous to mention. Swallows are 

 continually skimming over the surface fly-catch- 

 ing; a Sedge Warbler has her brood in one of the 

 low bushes on the far side of the pool, and the 

 male bird is uttering notes of vehemence and 

 defiance as we approach too near to his home- 

 stead. A Water Vole peeps out of his hiding 

 place in the reeds, and a timorous Moorhen leads 

 her black babies across the pool, leaving behind 

 divergent lines of silver. Having rested awhile, 

 let us explore this cool retreat, for within and 

 without it is peopled by a host of interesting 

 creatures if only we use our eyes and ears aright. 

 We find, on closer acquaintance with the water. 



