[[Contents]]

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

[THE SACRED BEETLE] Frontispiece

Sometimes the Scarab seems to enter into partnership with a friend

[THE CICADA] FACING PAGE

In July, when most of the insects in my sunny country are parched with thirst, the Cicada remains perfectly cheerful 26

[THE PRAYING MANTIS]

A long time ago, in the days of ancient Greece, this insect was named Mantis, or the Prophet 42

[PELOPÆUS SPIRIFEX]

When finished the work is amber-yellow, and rather reminds one of the outer skin of an onion 80