The males were sitting dotted about among the reeds, peering on every side with their prominent eyes, and when one approached another too closely, the two would rush at each other till their transparent wings, like delicate plates of silver, and their scaly bodies, made a tiny rustling when they met in conflict.

Then all was still again among the rushes, until the arrival of a female dragon-fly.
She would come slowly and carelessly humming along from some other part of the garden, and when she got near the pond would change her course, turn off, and fly back again.

Her little heart was doubtless beating high; but casting aside her fears, she at length took courage, and sped on over the pond.

Away started five or six males, dashing at each other like knights in helm and harness, and battling confusedly amid the clash of tiny weapons.

But the happy victor soon bid adieu to the conflict, and sailed past the others to the side of his lovely prize.