176 HALF-HOURS IN THE GKEEN LANEE. 



CHAPTEE VI. 



THE BEETLES AND OTHER INSECTS OF THE GREEN 

 LANES. 



'HE most indifferent observer must have had 

 his attention occasionally called to other 

 objects than those described in previous 

 chapters. Forms of creature-life abound 

 at every step, and obtrude themselves upon his 

 notice, look which way he may. With most of these, 

 perhaps with all, he is quite unacquainted ; and our 

 desire, therefore, is now to introduce the most 

 prominent of them to his notice as fully as our 

 limits will allow. 



Beetles are proverbially repulsive objects, although 

 we have a few species whose brilliant metallic 

 colouring relieves them from the general dislike. 

 Some of these are not rare, especially the green 

 Tiger beetle (Cicindela campestris). You may see it 

 actively engaged on some sandy bank, its golden- 

 green wing-cases and copper-green belly making it 

 look like a living gem. It rises on the wing with 



