1 88 WONDERS OF POND LIFE. 



blades, but are provided only witli a few stiff hairs ; 

 consequently he is a bad oarsman, and when, made 

 so light by the air surrounding it, it tries to reach 

 the bottom it tumbles, and only three out of five 

 strokes are successful. Upon removing one of 

 these creatures from the tank and placing it back 

 downward on my hand, the shining breastplate 

 instantly disappears, and by the assistance of the 

 lens I discover that the thorax and abdomen is 

 clothed with exceeding fine hairs. Is it not these 

 hairs that prevent the bubble from breaking while 

 the beetle moves through the water? The poor 

 insect struggles hard to regain its natural position. 

 The legs are slender and weak, and can hardly 

 bear its body. It crawls feebly along over my 

 palm. No, it could never gain a living on the 

 ground. It is only at home on submerged water 

 plants, so let me replace it quickly, and observe 

 its method of putting on again the corselet of steel. 

 Land of wonders ! It is done as if by magic. On 

 the instant it strikes the surface the armor appears 

 as before. 



Now we will draw up slowly one that clings to 

 this half -eaten stem, so that part only of the bug 

 touches the water. The supply of air is taken in 

 at the head, I am sure. By so working the club- 



