The urchins are able to bore holes even in the hard limestone rock. They bore these holes to live in, and, as they grow, they make the holes larger, but not the openings. So, after a time, they are shut into a prison which they have dug for themselves. They do not do this on our coast.
On the coast of Spain you will find the rocks covered with these urchins, fixed in holes. No doubt they feel that stone walls are safe walls. If they had wished to get away, and go and come freely, I think they could have made their doorways as large as themselves.
There is much more to be learned about sea-urchins. You will do well to study them when you can. In fact, the longest life is not long enough in which to learn even what is to be learned of very simple and common things. There is danger that when we have learned a little we shall become proud, and that we shall not take the trouble to learn the very much more which we do not know.
LESSON XLI.
THE FLYING FLOWERS.
You have just read about some of the Radiate Family. From their beauty they have been called Flowers of the Sea. We will now hear about some insects which might be called Flying Flowers.
I knew a little boy who, the first time that he noticed butterflies, cried out, “Oh, see all those flowers flying!” That was a pretty idea. It well described the butterflies, as you will see when you come to read about them.[20]
There is another family of insects which also deserves the name of Flying Flowers. Their shape, colors, and motions are very lovely. These insects are the Dragon-Flies.
I am sorry that such beautiful creatures have had harsh names given to them. They are called Dragon-Flies, Horse-Stingers, Darning-Needles, Spindles, and so on. These names have nothing true in them. These pretty insects never harm any one.
The French people call them Little Ladies. Now, that is a nicer name. It is given to them because they are graceful and pretty, and also neat and delicate, in their looks and motions.