nent, and independent of any power possessed by the insect over it, except in so far as it can withdraw the luminious matter from the window, or transparent medium, through which it is discerned, burying it in the interstitial matter, or secreting it under an opaque shell. 3. The light is not connected with any of the functions of animal life as to its support or continuance, as with the spiracula, or breathing apparatus, and even the extinction of life itself does not extinguish the power and property of emitting light. 4. The luminous matter is not adherent exteriorly, but included in a capsule, which preserves it from extrinsic agency and contingency. 5. The light seems connected with peculiar organization, which elevated temperatures destroy, perhaps by decomposition, but which low temperatures only suspend temporarily. This very suspension, indeed, by cold, and restoration by warmth, and by a temperature equal to that of animal heat, goes far to prove a peculiar function, inherent in the capsule, and capable of educing and sustaining the phenomenon." Mr. Murray thus concludes: "The use to which it is subservient in the animal economy, it is difficult to ascertain we see but in part.' very existence, however, proves that it is a condition indispensable to its being. Providence has tipt the insect with living fire-a non-material ignitionburning, yet not consumed-even extinguished by a temperature which the animal system, with which it is so singularly interwoven, cannot withstand. It may be a 'lamp to its path,' to guide it to its food, subserving the additional purpose of warding off its enemies while it may also be the luminous point that directs the nightingale to its proper prey."

Its

Why is the larva of the glow-worm proverbial for its cleanliness?

Because it has an instrument at the tail consisting of white cartilaginous rays, disposed in a circle, one row within another, and retractile similar to the

horns of a snail, which the insect employs for cleansing itself. This contrivance operates by suction, and not as a comb, brush, or wiper, and is furnished with a sort of funnel-shaped pocket, formed by the converging rays, into which are collected dust, &c. from the body, and the accumulated pellet is then extruded, and carefully placed where it might be out of the way of again soiling the glossy skin of the insect. This skin is of a soft leathery appearance; exhibiting, when magnified, a minute delicate dotting, similar to shagreen. The instrument being expanded over this shagreened surface, is drawn out with an evident effort, in the same way as boys draw the moist leather suckers, when they amuse them in dragging stones after them. All dust, &c. is then detached from the skin, and by a peculiar movement of the retractile rays, is lodged in the funnel-shaped pocket. This instrument also assists the animal to walk, and particularly to maintain a position against gravity, which its feet are il calculated to effect.-Mr. Rennie, in Journ. Royal Instit. (abridged.)

Why is the lampyris, or fire-fly, so highly prized in India?

Because the Indians believe them to be the spirits of their departed ancestors. Sir James E. Smith informs us that the beaux of Italy sometimes adorn the head-dresses of the belles with these "stars of the earth and diamonds of the night." Mr. Murray also says, "I remember, one fine night, on coming from Arquà (once the residence of Petrarch) to Padua, that the whole trees and hedges, to the very summit, were illuminated with myriads of these living diamondsthe effect was magically magnificent."

Why is the baya bird of India supposed to light his nest with fire flies?

Because he catches the flies at night, and confines them with moist clay or cow dung. Bishop Heber says, as the light of the flies could be of little use

66

to the baya, it seems probable that he only feeds on them."

THE SKIPPER.

Why is the skipper so called?

Because of the singular dexterity with which, when lying on its back, it throws itself into the air, and falls on its feet.

Why is the light of the skipper superior to that of the glow-worm?

Because it is emitted from two protuberant, transparent, or windowed tubercles attached to its thorax, besides which there are two luminous spots beneath the elytra, only visible, of course, when it is on wing, and they are elevated: it then appears studded with four rich and vivid gems of a golden, blue lustre. In fact, the whole body seems a flood of pure light. In the West Indies, the natives employ these living fires to give light in managing their household concerns. In travelling, they are wont to attach one to each toe; and it is stated that in fishing and hunting they require no other illumination.-J. Murray.

THE EARWIG.

Why is the earwig so called?

Because of its supposed predilection for entering the human ear. Whether or not they ever did enter the human ear is doubtful,-that they might endeavour to do so, under the influence of fear, is more than probable; and this, perhaps, has been the origin of their name, and the universal prejudice against them. As it is said that anatomists deny the possibility of their deep or dangerous entrance into the ear, it is a pity that this is not generally known, as it might defend the constitutionally timid from unnecessary alarm.— Brande's Journal.

Earwigs, spiders, bees, and wood-lice, are amongst the few of the insect tribes which pay attention either to their eggs or offspring.

HEMIPTERA.

THE MANTIS.

Why are certain insects termed walking leaves? Because their wing-cases, not only in colour, but in texture, and even in veining, are so exactly like leaves, from the fresh green of those newly expanded, to the faded brown of those withered and fallen, that botanists themselves might be deceived, if they were detached from the insects, and exhibited as real leaves. Among locusts alone we find the various species with wing-cases resembling, in this manner, the leaves of the laurel, the myrtle, the citron, the lily, the sage, the olive, the camellia, thyme, and grass. The spectres, on the other hand, resemble the small branches of trees with their spray; and so minutely detailed is this mimicry, that the very snags and knobs, as Kirby and Spence remark, are accurately imitated. The caterpillar of the swallow-tail moth also resembles a walking branch, the ringed bulgings of the body being precisely like those of an elder branch, while the longitudinal stripes are like the cracks in the bark.

The mantis of this tribe is found in China and South America, and in the latter country many of the Indians believe that mantes grow on trees like leaves, and that having arrived at maturity, they loosen themselves, and crawl or fly away.

Why is this species also called the religious or praying mantis?

Because it is of slender shape, and in its sitting posture holds up the two fore-legs slightly bent, as if in an attitude of prayer; whence vulgar superstition has held it as a sacred insect; and a popular notion has prevailed, that a child or a traveller having lost his way, would be safely directed, by observing the quarter to which the animal pointed, when taken into the hand.

According to the latest classification, mantes have been divided into the two families of the mantida and