t apparent difficulty. The creature
was of a greyish or sand colour; and in the sand, where it was seated,
it might not have been observed at all had not the lady's eyes been
directed upon the very spot. But Dona Isidora, who was a very good
entomologist, recognised it; and, knowing that it was a very curious
insect, on this account called the attention of her daughter to it.

"What is it, mamma?" inquired the little Leona, bending forward to
examine it.

"The _ant-lion_."

"The ant-lion! Why, mamma, it is an insect! How then can it be called
lion?"

"It is a name given it," replied the lady, "on account of its fierce
habits, which, in that respect, assimilate it to its powerful
namesake,--the king of the beasts; and, indeed, this little creature has
more strength and ferocity in proportion to its size than even the lion
himself."

"But why the _ant-lion_, mamma?"

"Because it preys principally on ants. I have said there are insect
ant-eaters. This is one of them."

"But how can such a slow creature as that get hold of them? Why the
ants could crawl out of its way in a moment!"

"That is true. Nevertheless it manages to capture as many as it
requires. Remember `the ace is not always to the swift.' It is by
stratagem it succeeds in taking its prey--a very singular stratagem too.
If you will sit back and not frighten it, I have no doubt it will soon
give you an opportunity of seeing how it manages the matter."

Leona took a seat by the side of her mother. They were both at just
such a distance from the ant-lion that they could observe every movement
it made; but for a considerable time it remained quiet; no doubt,
because they had alarmed it. In the interval Dona Isidora imparted to
her daughter some further information about its natural history.

"The ant-lion (_Myrmeleori_)," said she, "is not an insect in its
perfect state, but only the _larva_ of one. The perfect insect is a
very different creature, having wings and longer legs. It is one of the
_neuropterous_ tribe, or those with nerved wings. The wings of this
species rest against each other, forming a covering over its body, like
the roof upon a house. They are most beautifully reticulated like the
finest lace-work, and variegated with dark spots, that give the insect a
very elegant appearance. Its habits are quite different to those which
it follows when a larva, or in that state when it is the ant-lion. It
flies but little during th