APRIL. 
79 
F, — It belongs to a tribe which I call Water-flies^ as I 
have never seen any of the species except in the immediate 
vicinity of water. The species are numerous in this conti- 
nent^ forming the genus Semblis of Fabricius. This is an 
early kind^ the clouded Water- fly (Perla Clio). 
C. — What is this curious insect at the bottom of this 
little pond ? It is an awkward^ sprawling creature, some- 
thing like a spider^ of a light brown colour, 
F, — It is the larva of a Dragon-fly^ and an animal which^ 
from its curious habits and conformation, may afford you 
some instruction and amusement. Take him up, and put 
him into your pocket box^ with a little wet moss, that we 
may examine him at home ;— you need not be afraid, it is 
perfectly harmless. 
C. — Here is another long, semi-transparent worm, with- 
out feet, with a head retractile into the body. Of what is 
this the larva ? 
F, — ■ Of some dipterous fly, probably one of the larger 
TipulcB. I see some small larvae of gnats and flies ; catch 
them as food for your Libellula grub. — We have to- 
day seen many tokens of approaching spring : Nature is 
bursting from the icy chains with which she has been bound 
for so many months, soon again to teem with life and glad- 
ness. Yet many wintry storms, many bleak days and cold 
nights must pass, before we can say, spring has actually 
come. 
C. — Now we are at home, what shall I do with my 
Dragon-fly grub ? 
F, — Put him into this basin of water. I would first 
have you notice his very singular mode of progression. 
C, — He goes with a graceful sort of gliding or rather 
shooting motion, in a straight line, stretching out his legs 
