Page:Sea and River-side Rambles in Victoria.djvu/120

101 measure for respiration, on the surface of the water; whilst in the more advanced pupa stage the order of things is reversed, and the head takes the place of the tail, coming uppermost to the water's edge, and the respiratory organs are modified accordingly. Not a day passes in Summer, but we have unfortunately too frequent opportunities for witnessing the metamorphoses of these pests—in our ewers and our water barrels: to remedy the annoyance occasioned by their presence in the latter locality, a friend suggests a covering of very fine wire gauze, which if it would not prevent their development into the imago or perfect stage, would at any rate effectually put a stop to their roaming abroad, seeking whom they may devour. The roaring of the falls on the Barwon, just above where the two rivers meet, tempts us to stroll thither on our way homeward, and truly it is a sight which would gladden the heart of any real lover of the picturesque, the water dashing impetuously and musically down over the rugged rocks, lying in the river's bed, whilst on each side are cliffs, whereon one might botanise to his heart's content—

That feathery looking plant which covers yon bush, is a Clematis, belonging to the natural order, Ranunculaceæ or Crowfoot, and as much deserving