THE BOAT-ITT. 
428 
The notonectae have obtained their name fronl the An- 
gular manner in which they fwim on the back, prefent- 
ing the belly uppermoft. This fituation feems admirably 
fitted for the creature’s manner of feeding, which is faid 
to be on the under fide of plants that grow on the furface 
of the water ; the animal, by having its mouth turned 
upwards, is capable of taking its food with greater con- 
venience : Nor are its motions in the lead: impeded by 
this aukward pofture ; on the contrary, it is very nimble, 
diving down inftantuneoufly, when it perceives danger, 
and riling again to the furface, the two hind legs all the 
while ferving for paddles *. 
• Barbut, page 129. 
