CI^AMKLION FLY. 513 
Lucy, It is then an amphibious in- 
sect ? 
Mother, No ; it never quits the water 
till near the time of changing to a nymph ; 
it then drags itself along the bank to a 
proper spot, where it can lie with a part 
of its body under water, and there it re- 
mains. 
Lucy, Does it remain long in that 
situation ? 
Mother, Soon after it has become 
stationary the body begins to shrink, or 
shorten ; and in about twelve hours the 
four rings next the tail, and one or two 
next to the head, are found empty, which 
may be seen by holding it up to the 
light, as the skin is in some measure 
transparent. The nymph is closely folded 
up in a thin case, and, if this is cautiously 
removed, the future fly may be distinctly 
perceived. In this state it remains several 
days, when, in consequence of the efforts 
of the little prisoner, the outer skin splits 
along the third, fourth, and fifth rings, 
and the fly cscp.pes. 
p 
