MOTIONS OF INSECTS. 483 
them to balance their bodies when they descend, which they do in a hori- 
zontal position. This motion continues two or three hours without ceas- 
ing, and commences in fine clear weather about an hour before sunset, 
lasting till the copious falling of the dew compels them to retire to their 
nocturnal station. Our most common species, which I have usually taken 
for the EZ. vulgata, varies from that of De Geer in its proceedings. I 
found them at the end of May dancing over the meadows, not over the 
trees, at a much earlier hour — at half-past three — rising in the way just 
described, about a foot, and then descending, at the distance of about four 
or five feet from the ground. Another species, common here, rises seven 
or eight feet. Ihave also seen Ephemera flying over the water in a hori- 
zontal direction. The females are sometimes in the air, when the males 
seize them, and they fly paired, These insects seem to use their fore- 
legs to break the air; they are applied together before the head, and look 
like antennas. — Hilara maura, a little beaked fly, I have observed rushing 
in infinite numbers like a shower of rain driven by the wind, as before 
observed, over waters, and then returning back, 
It is remarkable that the smaller Zipularie will fly unwetted in a heavy 
shower of rain, as I haye often observed. How keen must be their sight, 
and how rapid their motions, to enable them to steer between drops bigger 
than their own bodies, which, if they fell upon them, must dash them to 
the ground ! 
Amidst this infinite variety of motions, for purposes so numerous and 
diversified, and performed by such a multiplicity of instruments and organs, 
who does not discern and adore the Great First Mover? From him all 
proceed, by him all are endowed, in him all move : and it is to accomplish 
his ends, and to go on his errands, that these little but not insignificant 
beings are thus gifted; since it is by them that he maintains this ter- 
raqueous globe in order and beauty, thus rendering it fit for the residence 
of his creature man. 
Tam, &c. 
1 De Geer, ii, 638, 
