148 Loology. 
and in so doing several passed so near to each other, that I cannot con- 
ceive, as they passed in opposite directions, that any current of air conveyed 
them, as two opposite currents could scarce exist so often close to each 
other. I observed that those which passed near enough to distinguish their 
forms, all flew with their backs downwards. Ido not know if these facts 
will at all bear on the controversy between Mr. Blackwall and Mr. Murray. 
Such as they are you have them.—John Thompson. Hull, July 20. 1829. 
Winter Quarters of Leptira micans.—The most trivial facts connected with natural history 
may tend to illustrate the science, and tend possibly to other discoveries. I shall, therefore, 
make no apology for communicating the following : —On examining some stems of the Artimdo 
Phragmites, which I had drawn up by the roots from the side of a pool, the bottom of which was 
thick mud, I observed the portion of the plant immediately in con- 
tact with the root rather thickly studded with certain egg-shaped 
transparent brown cocoons (fig. 30. a), which I concluded to be 
the winter covering of some aquatic insect in its larva state. On 
examining these water-proof cases, which ‘were about half an 
inch long, I found each to be the winter quarters of the Leptira 
micans (J), On extracting the insect, it appeared to be in a semi- 
torpid state, but perfectly well fed, and in good condition. We 
know that many of the Coleéptera retire to peculiar haunts for 
the purpose of hybernation ; but Iam not aware that there are 
many facts on record proving that in the perfect state insects of 
this order construct habitations suited to the occasion: and it is still more extraordinary, that the 
imago of this species, which invariably dwells above the surface, and is capable of active flight, 
as must be known to every naturalist, who in the summer season, during the heat of the day, has 
watched the reedy boundaries of a marsh or pond, should descend some feet into the water, and 
there construct a dwelling impervious to water, in which, so far from its being their natural 
element, they are soon drowned. On the whole, I am more inclined to suspect that the old ones, 
at the close of summer, lay their eggs, which hatch in due time, and that the larva is the architect 
of these cocoons, in which, after a speedy change, the perfect insect is developed, and remains 
cradled in its tomb till the genial suns of the next season call it forth. It should be remarked, 
however, that on exposing these cocoons to water heated to about 85°, they evinced no symp- 
toms of increased activity. By what extraordinary process, moreover, do these submarine 
sleepers continue to construct a case from which water must have been excluded during the whole 
operation ?— E. S., F.L.S. 
Ants and Aphides. —Sir, The ants and their interesting habits have something so much bor- 
dering upon the marvellous, that many persons have been induced to discredit much which has 
been published upon the subject; but, singular as their history appears, every day’s observation 
proves that much more might be written on their instinctive carefulness and extraordinary saga- 
city. The annexed sketch (fig. 31.), may furnish additional interest to their history, as well as 
pleasure to your readers. A goose- 
berry tree in my neighbourhood 
was observed to be infested by 
aphides, on which a number of 
black ants were seen actively em- 
ployed upon the leaves and fruit. 
On‘a closer examination, they were 
discovered to be constructing mud 
roofs, or archways from the stem 
of the plant to some of the fruit, 
leaving a part of the same un- 
covered. Within this dome, or 
archway, a small flock of aphides 
were studiously retained by the 
ants. Thus sheltered from the rain, 
which has so abundantly fallen this 
summer, they nourished them- 
selves, and afforded their sagacious 
shepherds that honey dew which 
it is well known they seek with so 
much assiduity. Over some of these 
archways they had carefully glued 
a leaf of the tree, so disposed that 
the rain might easily glide off, and 
thus the mud roof was rendered 
impervious to the wet, As a fur- 
ther instance of instinct, the fruits thus erected upon had been chosen, or first ascertained 
to be firmly fixed between two of the spines, as in the sketch, or confined by the leaves and 
branches of the tree. Linnezus truly called the aphides the cows of the ants—F.C. L. Guern- 
sey, Sept. 21. 1829. 
The Water Beetle. —1 observe that one of your correspondents no- 
tices the probability of ponds in elevated situations being stocked with 
fish through the agency of the water beetle. If this active and voracious 
little creature were really useful that way, it might in some measure atone 
for its other mischievous propensities ; for I do not know a more destruc- 
tive little insect to fish themselves, besides devouring the spawn. A neigh- 
bour of mine lost several hundred of the fry of the gold and silver fish by 
this little pest; and, to leave no doubt about the matter, he caught one, 
and placed it in a large basin of water, to which he shortly after added a 
