ICHNEUMON FLY. 23S 
little caterpillars might be expected to 
appear, tiny maggots come forth and im- 
mediately spin their cases. One species 
place their eggs in the bodies of the 
aphis, or plant louse. 
Lucy, The plant lonse ! Are not those 
the little grubs of d Cerent colours, which 
collect in such crowds on the shoots of 
honeysuckles and roses ? 
Mother, Yes ; the aphides are most 
mischievous grubs, which multiply to an 
astonishing degree. The ichneumons do 
ns great service by destroying them, as 
they injure plants very much. 
Lucy, They seem to destroy all in- 
sects whatever, that are weaker than 
themselves. 
Mother, They may be compared to 
the carnivorous tribes of animals, among 
beasts and birds. 
Lucy. What does carnivorous mean, 
mamma? 
Mother, Carnivorous animals are 
those that eat flesh ; the large ichneu- 
