228 HYMENOPTERA. 
main in the pupa state, and of the imago, 
or perfect fly, which is produced from 
each caterpillar. 
Lucy, Thank you, mamma, I will 
carefully do so ; for, if the flies should 
not come out till next spring, I might 
forget which was which, or what plants 
they had lived on. 
Mother, Now then we may turn our 
attention to the history of the ichneumon 
fly- 
Lucy, What does that odd name 
mean ? 
Mother, Ichneumon is the name of 
a little fourfooted animal, which is found 
in many of the warm climates, but chiefly 
in Egypt. Can you tell me where Egypt 
is? 
Lucy, Yes, mamma ; Egypt is in 
Africa, on the coast of the Mediterranean 
sea, and the Nile runs through it. 
Mother. Very well. The river Nile 
is much infested with crocodiles, large 
amphibious creatures, which devour every 
sort of animal, that comes in their way. 
