Attached to stones, stumps, and tree trunks along the fresh water ponds and streams, are the cast-off jackets of the larval dragon-fly. These larvæ remain in the water for more than a year, feeding upon the larvæ of other insects. Finally they leave the water, and a long rent is seen on the creature's back, and soon the dragon-fly appear.
Notes
July Fourth
Similar to the whip-poor-will in shape, the nighthawk, or bullbat, differs from it in song and habits,—though, oddly enough, it perches lengthwise on a limb as the whip-poor-will does. It is neither a hawk nor a bat, for it is classed close to the chimney swift, and like the swift, it is of inestimable value as an insect destroyer. It is often seen in the daytime and the large white spot on the under side of each wing helps to identify it.
July Fifth
The horned-tails are the large wasp-like insects that we see about the elm, oak, and maple trees. They bore holes a quarter of an inch in diameter in the tree trunk, and in these holes the eggs are laid. Sometimes they get their augers wedged and are unable to free themselves. The horned-tails are destructive, and should be killed whenever found. They sometimes remain in the pupa state so long, that the tree may be cut down and the wood made into furniture before they finally emerge.
July Sixth
Before now you have probably seen the ruby-throated hummingbird poising over the flowers in your garden. Sometimes he goes through strange antics. Mounting ten or fifteen feet into the air, he swoops down in a graceful curve, then turns and repeats the performance time and time again.