THE WEST INDIAN FIRE BEETLE. 425 
the intent to terrify such as are affrayed of every shadow, 
_ they say that many wanton wild fellowes sometimes rubbed 
their faces by night with the flesh of a cucuius, being killed, 
= with purpose to meet their neighbors with a flaming coun- 
tenance, as with us wanton young men, putting a gaping 
_ Vizard over their face, endeavor to terrify children or women 
_ who are easily frighted.” 
By the kindness of a friend* I am now in possession of a 
thriving family of these strangely beautiful beetles, number- 
_ ing over forty, of all sizes; and while I write, they are shin- 
ing in all their brilliancy just by my side. Considerable 
-Care and attention is necessary to keep them in health. They 
_ fe soon to have their supper, which consists of sugar-cane, 
_ “ut into thin strips and moistened with weak syrup, which 
_ they suck, or rather lick, up with an evident relish. They 
_ Present a singular appearance, ranged in rows upon the bot- 
_ tom of a plate, each with his mouth applied to the strip of 
_ ine. As soon as they have finished their meal, they are to 
take a bath for their health: and comfort; for, like children 
: who indulge in sweets, they get pretty thoroughly daubed, 
and need a good washing. This bath of tepid water seems 
to ‘rouse all their light-giving energy, for-while feeding the 
D ght is extinguished (very economical, surely!). The basin 
5 m which they float is all aglow; it is indeed a magnificent 
= Pectacle which I wish all your readers could share with me. 
: The water Seems to possess the same luminous property as 
: Se sects, and resembles, when seen at night, a basin of 
- liquid gota. 
> As to Size, form, and general appearance, the cut at the 
a dof this article gives a good idea. It has been drawn by 
“Merton with his characteristic faithfulness from a full- 
eee insect.: In: color they are of a dark brown, almost 
ack; the larger ones have a rusty appearance, from the 
. ag of short brown hairs on parts of the back. They 
= thing peculiarly attractive but their power of giving 
——__"8 Peculiarly attractive but their power of givn, 
x a Sassen! iag weir of this city. : 


















