H. W. P.

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MARINE GLOW WORMS.

(For the Mirror.)

These extraordinary little insects are more particularly noticed in Italy, during the period of summer, than in any other part of the world.  When they make their appearance, they glitter like stars reflected by the sea, so beautiful and luminous are their minute bodies.  Many contemplative lovers of the phenomena of nature are seen, soon after sun-set, along the sea coast, admiring the singular lustre of the water when covered with these particles of life, which it may be observed, are more numerous where the alga marina, or sea-weed abounds.

The marine glow-worm is composed of eleven articulations, or rings; upon these rings, and near the belly of the insect, are placed fins, which appear to be the chief instruments of its motion.  It has two small horns issuing from the fore part of the head, and its tail is cleft in two.  To the naked eye of man, they seem even smaller than the finest hairs; and their substance is delicate beyond description.  They first begin to make their appearance upon the sea-weed about the middle of April, and very soon after multiply exceedingly over the whole surface of the water.

I think it is more than probable, that the heat of the sun causes the marine glow-worm to lay its eggs; at all events it is certain, that terrestrial insects of this species shine only in the heat of summer, and that their peculiar resplendency is produced during the period of their copulation.

G. W. N.

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EPITAPHS.

(For the Mirror.)

The origin of epitaphs, and the precise period when they were first introduced, is involved in obscurity; but that they were in use several centuries prior to the Christian era is indisputable.  The invention of them, however, has been attributed to the scholars of Linus, who, according to Diogenes, was the son of Mercury and Urania; he was born at Thebes, and instructed Hercules in the art of music; who, in a fit of anger at the ridicule of Linus, on his awkwardness in holding the lyre, struck him on the head with his instrument, and killed him.  The scholars of Linus lamented the death of their master, in a mournful kind of poem, called from him Aelinum.  These poems were afterwards designated Epitaphia, from the two words [Greek:  epi], upon, and [Greek:  taphios], sepulchre, being engraved on tombs, in honour or memory of the deceased, and generally containing some eloge of his virtues or good qualities.