DRAGONS AND DAMSELS 6i 



fewer changes. After one or two molts there appear 

 on the creature's back four small pads, or pockets. 

 These are the first indications of the "grown up," 

 winged existence, and I wonder if they are not re- 

 garded by the young dragon-fly with something of 

 the same pride that a boy regards his first full set 

 of pockets. 



It is generally believed that it takes at least a 

 year and in some cases longer, for dragon-flies to 

 mature. There comes a time when the nymph 

 must leave the water, and spend a few weeks in 

 the air. The transformation takes place during 

 warm weather, and may be observed at any time 

 from May to September. Creeping from its watery 

 home, impelled by some "inner impulse," the 

 young dragon-fly climbs up a few feet from the 

 water, and grasps firmly the stem or leaf of some 

 water plant. Or, if necessary, it creeps painfully 

 out on the bank and attaches itself to a stone or 

 a piece of rubbish. While shedding the nymph 

 skin and waiting for the wings to dry the creature 

 is helpless. This is the most critical period in its 

 life. Out of its natural element, and not yet free 

 from the armor which binds its wings, it falls an 

 easy victim to insect-loving birds and other ene- 

 mies. This final molting process lasts two or three 

 hours, or even longer. On the banks of streams, 

 lakes or ponds one may find in great numbers the 

 cast skins of dragon-flies. I once gathered a cigar- 

 box full of them along a few rods of lake shore. 

 They seem very life-like and one must look closely 

 to see that they are empty. Along the back of 



