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Deep tangled; tree irregular, and bush, Bending with dewy moisture o'er the heads Of the coy quiristers that lodge within, Are prodigal of harmony."-THOMSON. Varied and beautiful are the tints which now adorn the robe of nature; the meadows are golden yellow, with the countless flowers of the buttercup; the hedges are white with the richly scented blossoms of the hawthorn; the pink petals of the dog rose are unfolding on stems so long and slender, that they seem as if expressly designed for garlands of rejoicing; and festoons of the climbing honeysuckle, fill the air with fragrance. The trees look green, but not all green alike; the tints of this colour are different in every species, but always fresh and beautiful. The delicacy and variety of the hues of the foliage in May, form a contrast to its mingled reds, browns, and yellows in October; and are even more pleasing, though less rich, for they bring with them a promise of warmth and sunshine, of bright days, of summer's fulness, with its calm warm evenings, and the early dawn of its mornings; of life, and animation, and activity throughout the animal creation. But the rich hues of October, warn us to prepare for the cold dark days and long nights of winter, when the vegetable kingdom lies dead, when

the tuneful are mute, and the active have ceased to be busy. May is then the joyous time of the year; the season when the works of the Creator are most attractive, and speak in a concord of multitudinous voices, most loudly of his preserving care, his wisdom, and his goodness. Let us wander forth, to see and adore Him in his works of power and benevolence.

How beautifully enamelled with flowers is the bank of the river: and see! what myriads of insects load the air; all are of the same species, the ephemera, or mayfly, (Ephemera cauda biseta ;) borne on light pinions, those flies hover in hosts over the water, arising and descending, as if enjoying their fleeting moments of existence, and pleased with the new powers, which they have unconsciously assumed. The numbers, in which the mayfly sometimes appears, are almost incredible, we remember to have once seen in the meadows of the Wye, near Bakewell, a phenomenon of this kind: the air was crowded with these insects; the banks, the gates, the stones jutting out above the surface of the river, were absolutely covered with them, "thick as autumnal leaves in Valombrosa;" myriads were struggling on the surface of the water; and the trout and the grayling were snapping them up every moment.

The mayfly, during its larva state, is aquatic; and like many other insects of the same family, enwraps itself in an artificial case, composed of bits of sand and wood, or straw, agglutinated together by a matter insoluble in water; this case looks so inartificial, that when the larva protruding its limbs begins to creep along, the motion excites surprise. In clear, shal

low streamlets with a sandy bottom,

gravel, like little rough bits of stick,

these larvæ, looking, in their case of may be watched crawling about in quest

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of food. On one occasion, when a crushed snail was thrown into the water, it was surrounded by great numbers of the larvæ of this or an allied species, which, half emerging from their envelopes, commenced devouring it. The sketches on page 177 represent the forms of the envelopes of the larvæ, as prepared by a few of the species of this group of insects. One is composed of various materials; another of bits of stick and stems; and another of gravel and small fresh water shells. By what instinct is it, that when about to become winged tenants of the air, respire a new element, and acquire new powers, that these larvæ should, in the anticipation, as it were, of their transformation, creep out of the water, and fix themselves on some dry stone or stick, and there remain during the casting off of their slough, and the development of their filmy wings? Here they leave their artificial case, their armour of defence; and with it bid farewell to their native element. How multiform, how wonderful are the operations of that energetic principle, implanted by the Almighty in all creatures, for their preservation, and for their guidance in the performance of all their allotted tasks! that principle which by way of distinguishing it from reason, we term instinct! and how forcibly do its manifestations speak of design and of a designer!

See again, what numbers of aquatic beetles are wheeling and sporting on the surface of the still water. How rapidly the gyrinus skims along, rejoicing in the warm sunbeams, which glance on the liquid element. How admirably that large beetle ploughs his sub-aquatic course! it is the water beetle, (Dyticus,) a species in all respects expressly adapted for the medium in which it passes the greater part of its existence. Observe that it is of a flattened form, with a boat-like outline, broader behind than before, and presenting no projecting parts; its wing cases, and the horny integuments of its body are apparently lubricated by some subtle oleaginous matter, which repels the water, for when taken out, it is perfectly dry. The centre of gravity is placed on its under surface, and the posterior limbs are developed as oars. The action of these oars is in a line parallel to the axis of the body; and as their movements are limited to this action only, the

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der surface of this curious beetle, showing the structure of the posterior limbs, and their fitness for propelling the body in the water.) There is another beetle, the water-boatman (Notonecta.) Observe, that this insect swims upon its back. The abdominal surface is flat, the dorsal surface convex, and the heaviest, so that it floats with the back downwards; the abdominal surface thus represents the deck of a small vessel; and the two posterior limbs which are very long, and formed for rowing, extend at right angles with the body, like the sweeps, or long oars of a galley.

The water of stagnant pools may now be examined by the microscope with advantage; and will be found to teem with various species of animalcules, many of which present the most singular forms and appearances. Of these, one is termed the proteus, from its curious changes of figure, a figure which seldom remains many minutes the same. It is indeed impossible to say what its true shape is; nor is the reason of its mutations at all understood. The animal looks like a speck of jelly, but is highly irritable and contractile in every part; sometimes, it elongates itself like a worm; sometimes, it assumes a balllike form; at another, it shoots out

arms, from a common centre, so as to resemble a star-fish (Asterias.) Again it exhibits an irregular and grotesque figure; and thus it seems to be perpetually engaged in altering itself; for some purpose, no doubt, of importance in its economy, but which has yet to be discovered.

An animalcule, termed volvox globator, in allusion to its spherical figure and rapid whirling motion on its own axis, is very common; there is also another species of volvox, termed volvox conflictor, which moves, by first whirling to the right, then to the left, and so on alternately. Jelly-like, as these animalcules are, it appears from Professor Ehrenberg, that their composition is not destitute of muscular fibres, which in some of the rotifera, or wheel animalcules, have been distinctly recognized in the form of bands between the two layers of delicate transparent membrane, by which the body is enveloped. These bands have been seen to contract in various parts; and to increase in breadth and thickness, according to the motions performed, so that there can be no doubt as to their nature, and the part they take as agents in the animalcule's movements. Another interesting and very common animalcule is the vibrio; met with in great numbers in sour fluid paste, or spoiled vinegar; in which last, it attains large a size, as to be seen in a good light with the naked eye. In shape, the vibrio resembles an eel, and it swims with the same undulatory sort of

movement.

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That the motions of animalcules are voluntary; and that they are themselves gifted with feeling, and perhaps other senses, to us inexplicable, is very palpable. Swimming, as they do, by shoals in a single drop of water, they avoid with the utmost address, any obstacles in their way; they alter their mode of proceeding, increase its rapidity, darting along like an arrow, or wander through their mimic ocean, with an easy, gentle gliding, as if in the enjoyment of existence. How forcibly do the perfection and complication of structure, exhibited in these beings, of which many thousands tenant a single drop of water, appeal to us in proof of consummate skill and wisdom! and how plainly do we learn, that in the eyes of the Creator, nothing is great or small! It is by reference to a standard, established

only by our imperfect senses, in our limited minds, that objects are either the one or the other. But with reference to Him from whom nothing is hid-who in the formation of creatures, which even the most powerful microscope only partially exhibits, (show enough indeed to prove an elaborate organization, and there failing us,) who in the construction of these minutest beings manifests unutterable skill and power all distinctions of great and little vanish. In his eyes, the colossal whale and the to us invisible animalcule are alike; the globe on which we are called to exist, and the ultimate atoms of matter.

Mark that little animal swimming on the water; see it has dived, but the clear element permits its track to be seen, and it appears as if invested with a coat of silver. It is the water shrew

(Sorex fodiens.) The little animal lives in burrows, excavated in the bankside; but it seems to be rather in the water than on the land that its food is sought for and attained: this consists of aquatic insects and the larvæ of various species of ephemera. The runs or roads, worn bare of herbage, by the continual travel of several of these animals along the same route, from their burrow to the same point on the margin of the pond or rivulet, where they take the water, are easily discernible. During their excursions, they continually utter a shrill cry; this cry is always repeated, when two shrews pass each other in their runs on the bank, and frequently also as they cross each others' course in the water: they swim and dive with great facility; the silvery lustre they exhibit beneath the water, is owing to the air contained in the close fur of their coat, which resembles that of a mole. On emerging from the water, this coat appears to be perfectly dry; but on landing, they have been observed to give themselves a sudden shake, in order to throw off any drops that may be adhering to it. The water shrew does not devour its prey in the stream; but having secured an insect, it comes ashore, and sitting on a stone or clod, there steadies its prize between its fore-paws, and so commences the feast. The beetle, termed the water-boatman, or boat-fly, (Notonecta,) is often pursued and caught by this active little animal; it also gives chase to shoals of minnows or sticklebacks, but can seldom succeed in making

the writer just referred to, "which is at present a non-descript in England, retires or migrates very early in the summer; it also ranges very high for its food, feeding in a different region of the air (to that occupied by the common bat,) and this is the reason I never could procure one. Now this is exactly the case with swifts; for they take their food in a more exalted region than the other species; and are very seldom seen hawking for flies near the ground, or over the surface of water. From thence, I would conclude that these hirundines, and the larger bats, are supported by some sorts of flying gnats, beetles or moths, that are of short continuance; and that the short stay of these strangers is regulated by the defect of their food."

a capture, owing to the extreme rapidity of these fishes, and the sudden evolutions they make. The water shrew is in its turn preyed upon by the weasel. Another semi-aquatic animal may now be seen very busy, namely, the water rat, (Arvicola amphibia,) which must not be confounded with the destructive rat, so well known to the farmer, and which also often frequents the banks of ditches, rivulets, and canals, but which does not belong to the same genus as the water rat. The water rat, except in the structure of its tail, is a miniature representation of the beaver; it swims and dives with great adroitness, and excavates deep burrows in the bank. Its food is exclusively vegetable, consisting of roots and aquatic plants; the female breeds this month, producing a progeny of five or six in number; her nest With respect to the great bat, there is at a considerable depth, in a burrow, is abundant reason to believe that like near the water. Evening is the time all the rest of the British species, it in which this cautious animal steals forth hybernates in our island. According to to enjoy the delights of active existence; Pennant, one hundred and eighty-five and it continues alert during the night. were taken in one night from under the It would appear that the water rat hy-eaves of Queen's College, Cambridge; bernates during some portion of the winter, or perhaps lays up a store of food for winter consumption. Gilbert White relates a very remark-camore trees, round the tops of which, able circumstance, bearing upon this point, which deserves to be noticed. | "As a neighbour," he writes, "was lately ploughing in a dry, chalky field, far removed from any water, he turned out a water rat, that was curiously laid up, in a hybernaculum, artificially formed of grass and leaves. At one end of the burrow, lay above a gallon of potatoes, regularly stowed, on which it was to have supported itself for the winter. But the difficulty with me is how this amphibius mus came to fix its winter station at such a distance from the water. Was it determined in its choice of that place by the mere accident of finding the potatoes which were planted there; or is it the .constant practice of the aquatic rat, to forsake the neighbourhood of the water in the colder months?" Well known as is this animal, there are many particulars, relative to its economy, which remain to be ascertained.

and on a following night, sixty-three. We have observed this species to be partial to the neighbourhood of large sy

and among the branches, we have on many occasions, observed several dashing along with great rapidity, as if in earnest chase; perhaps the chaffer (melolontha vulgaris,) which feeds in great numbers on the leaves of the sycamore, were the objects of its pursuit. The female produces a single offspring in June.

The hare breeds in May; the number of leverets varies from two to four or five. When taken young, the leveret may be easily domesticated, and will become bold and familiar: a lady of the writer's acquaintance brought up two; one of which was very docile and gentle, delighting to lie in her lap, or on the hearthrug by the fire; the other was morose in temper, and a determined foe to the cat, and a small spaniel, over both of which he had the complete mastery. White relates an instance, in which a leveret brought home The great bat, (Vespertilio noctula,) to a gentleman's house, was nursed and first described by Daubenton, the fellow-suckled by a cat, which happened at the labourer with Buffon, and noticed as a British species originally by White, in his Natural History of Selbourne, now makes its appearance, as the evening draws on. "The great large bat," says |

time to have kittens, all of which were destroyed. At this juncture, the leveret was missing, and could not be found: it was therefore supposed that some strange cat or dog had seized it.

However, in about a fortnight after this event, as the gentleman was sitting one evening in his garden, he observed the cat with tail erect, and purring in a tone expressive of great complacency, advancing towards him, and something gambolling after her; this proved to be the lost leveret, which she had adopted in the place of her destroyed progeny, and which she continued to support with great affection.

Among our winged summer visitors, the lingerers on the passage have at length made their appearance. The swift is now seen whirling around the old church tower, uttering ever and anon its shrill, loud scream, as it dashes along with astonishing velocity. Except while sitting on their eggs, or reposing during a few hours at night, (for the swift retires to roost late in the evening, and is alert with the first dawn of day,) the whole existence of this bird is passed on the wing; on the wing it eats, drinks, bathes, and collects materials for its nest. It breeds in the dark crevices between the stonework of towers and steeples, and in similar situations, making an inartificial nest of dried grasses and feathers. Unlike the swallow or the martin, it only lays two eggs, of a milkwhite colour, and breeds only once during its sojourn here. The female sits closely and patiently all day; but just before the close of evening, she rushes forth, sweeps around for a few minutes as if to stretch her pinions; snatches a hasty meal, and returns to. her duty of incubation. Swifts, when cruelly and wantonly shot, while they are rearing their young, are found to have a lump composed of insects, under their tongue,

distending the gullet into the form of a sac, or pouch; the bird, instead of swallowing the insects, collects them, and holds them in that receptacle, until a sufficient meal for its nestlings is obtained. In the structure of its foot, the swift exhibits a remarkable peculiarity; the tarsus is very short and stout; and the toes, which are strong and armed, with hook-like claws, are all turned forwards, so that there is no back toe, in this sense. Its feet are indeed expressly organized for the purpose of enabling the bird to cling firmly to the rough surfaces of the stones of the buildings, or sides of the rocks, (as we have seen in Derbyshire,) the crevices of which afford it a retreat.

That elegant little bird, the flycatcher, (Muscicapa grisola,) may now be seen; it waits till the trees are in complete foliage, and the insects are swarming, before it ventures to pay us its annual visit. Observe its actions; how light and easy its flight! Selecting some twig as a post of observation, it gives a short, but rapid chase to such insects (chiefly of the dipterous order) as pass by, returning after each excursion to the same place. The flycatcher is a mute, familiar bird, frequenting gardens, orchards,, and plantations; it frequently builds upon the branches of fruit trees nailed against walls, or the sides of houses. When its young leave the nest, they remain for a considerable period under the care of the parent birds, who feed them very assiduously. In their first plumage, the young are prettily mottled with white.

Among the most remarkable of our winged arrivals of this month, is the

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goatsucker, night-jar, or fernowl (Ca- | woods, narrow woody valleys, and exprimulgus Europaeus.) The borders of tensive fern beds, clothing the slopes

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