RIVER GARDENS; 
somewhat similar in form to those of the Water 
Beetle tribe, and, when about to change, it is very 
interesting to observe them leaving the water, and 
attaching themselves to the leaf of a reed or rush, 
just above the surface, where they become a kind of 
chrysalis, from the dull black husk of which the 
gaily coloured Dragon Ely eventually emerges. 
A few of the larvae of the Gnat should be placed 
in the Aquarium, if only to observe the interesting 
pupa or chrysalis state of this little creature. When 
the active little larva that we so often see frisking 
in sudden bounds in tanks of rain-water, is about to 
undergo his change from a water larva, or swim¬ 
ming maggot, to a graceful, aerial creature, his pupa 
form ascends to the surface of the water, where it 
floats in a singular, boat-like shape, till the creature 
within the tiny ark is fully developed; at which 
period it is a most interesting sight to watch his 
efforts to escape from his floating prison, and see 
him at last take flight from its tiny prow to weave 
his mazes in the warm summer air. 
But in hastening to speak of the more wonderful 
metamorphoses of the Gnat and .Dragon Ely, I have 
omitted to mention some other species of Water 
Beetles which might form interesting subjects for 
observation in an Aquarium. Among these are the 
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