NUT WEEVIL. 
281 
into water, when the grain which has been partly- 
consumed will prove specifically lighter than the 
rest. 
We must not pass over in silence the most bril- 
liant and beautiful species of this, or any other 
genus of insects. The diamond beetle ( Curculio 
imperial is, Linn.) is not to be equalled in splendour 
by any creature in the world : such indeed is the 
dazzling brightness of these insects, that in the 
Brazils, from whence they are brought to us, it is 
said to be almost impossible to look at them when 
the sun shines full upon a little swarm as they fly 
from one place to another. The coal-black colour 
of the wing-cases is well adapted to improve the 
lustre of the spots which are placed in parallel 
rows along the back, and which, when magnified, 
equal in brilliancy the most precious of all gems. 
The insect owes this glorious appearance to a num- 
ber of minute scales, whose polished surfaces reflect 
the prismatic colours which are so justly the objects 
of our admiration, 
“ Not all the show and mockery of state. 
The little, low, fine follies of the great j 
Not all the wealth which eastern pageants wore. 
What still our idolizing worlds adore. 
Can boast the least inimitable grace. 
Which decks profusive this illustrious race.” 
Dr. Shaw has given us a good idea of this mag, 
nificent beetle, in a magnified representation with 
which he has enriched his General Zoology. 
