THE GREAT DRAGON FLY 255 



to search diligently, however, for the creature 

 closely resembles its environment. 



Once having located it, do not be in a hurry — 

 just wait and watch. It will then be observed 

 that a remarkable transformation scene is being 

 enacted before one's very eyes. As the structure 

 hardens in the strong sunlight, suddenly the case 

 containing the perfect form splits asunder down 

 the back, and little by little the insect frees itself 

 from its old covering. It will be seen to rest 

 awhile. There is no immediate hurry, no undue 

 excitement. The moist, limp - like wings are 

 spread out to dry and harden. This accom- 

 plished, and the creature having entirely escaped 

 from its imprisonment, it is ready for flight, and 

 away it goes upon its first journey in the air, 

 leaving its old body-covering adhering to the 

 plant selected as a resting place during its remark- 

 able pilgrimage. 



The Great Dragon Fly has an expanse of about 

 four inches, and a body that measures about three 

 inches in length. It is light rusty-brown in 

 colour, marked with paler colours. The wings 

 are of beautiful texture, but a photograph can, 

 after all, convey but a poor impression of their 

 delicacy. To be seen to advantage they should 

 be examined under a good magnifying glass or 

 microscope. The transparent wings, the rich 

 colouration of the bodies of some species (such as 



