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A DESCRIPTION OF 
THE GREAT DRAGON FLY. (Libellula grandis.} 
THIS genus of insects is well known to every one. The 
larva lives in the water, and wears a kind of mask, which 
it moves at will, and which serves to hold its prey while it 
devours it. The period of transformation being come, the 
larva goes to the water-side, and fixes on a plant, or sticks 
fast to a piece of dry wood, in which position it remains 
during its pupa or nymph state. When the period for 
the final transformation arrives, the skin of the riymph, 
grown parched, splits at the upper part of the thorax, 
the winged insect issues forth gradually, throws off its 
slough, expands its wings, flutters, and then flies off with 
gracefulness and ease. The elegance of its slender shape, 
the richness of its colours, the delicacy and resplendent 
texture of its wings, afford infinite delight to the be- 
holder. It is in length about four inches, and of propor- 
tionate thickness. 
The female deposits her eggs in the water, from which 
spring the larvae, which afterwards undergo the same 
transformations. 
The Day Fly (Ephemera albipensis) is called so on ac- 
