THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. 



211 



pierce the lead coverings of our roofs; and a piece of the 

 gutter of a church, which presented numerous perforations 



128. Giant Sirex — Sirex glgantei'S, the Larva of which gnaws Lead. 



produced by a Callidia, was recently brought to me at the 

 museum at Rouen. 



CHAPTER X. 



HYDR.VULIC ENGINEERS AND MASONS. 



The diving-bell was invented l)y a little spider; we had 

 nothing to do but imitate it; the copyist has, however, not 

 equalled the inventor. In fact, the insect builds below 

 water, beginning and finishing its task there, and it is only 

 when its work is completed that it fills the structure with 

 vital air. 



It is a charming little house of silk, which suffices for 



