Fireflies. 219 



lying hid in the plank under the sheath, which he then 

 sheweth when after the manner of the beetle, un- 

 sheathing his thin wings, he taketh his flight into the 

 air, whereupon every Cucurus bringeth 4 lights or candles 

 with him. But how they are a remedy for so great a 

 mischief, as is the stinging of these gnats, which in some 

 places, are little less than bees, it is a pleasant thing to 

 hear. He, who either understandeth he hath those 

 troublesome guests (the gnats) at home, or feareth lest 

 they may get in, diligently hunteth after the cucuy. 

 which he deceiveth by this means and industry, which 

 necessity (efEe6ling wonders) hath sought out. Whoso 

 wanteth cucuy, goeth out of the house in the first 

 twilight of the night, carrying a burning fire-brand in 

 his hand^ and ascendeth the next hillock, that the cucuy 

 may see it, and swingeth the fire-brand about calling the 

 cucuius aloud, and beateth the air with often calling and 

 crying out Cucuie, Cucuie. Many simple people 

 suppose that the cucuy delighted with that noise, come 

 flying and flocking together to the bellowing sound of 

 him that calleth them, for they come with a speedy and 

 headlong course ; but I rather think the cucuy make 

 haste to the brightness of the fire-brand, because swarms 

 of gnats, fly unto every light, which the cucuy eat in the 

 very air, as the martlets and swallows do. Behold the 

 desired number of cucuy, at what time the hunter 

 casteth the fire-brand out of his hand. Some cucuius 

 sometimes followeth the fire-brand, and lighteth on the 

 ground, then is he easily taken, as travellers may take a 

 beetle (if they have need thereof) walking with his 

 wings shut. Others deny that the cucuy are wont to be 

 taken after this manner, but say, that the hunters espe* 



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