and fro out of some dark corner.

[Illustration]

Little Mrs. Cockroach has smelled the dainty morsel, and, as soon as it
is dark, out she will run, her feelers moving eagerly this way and that,
until she has found it.

Yes, May, insects also feel with their antennae. That is why the antennae
are often called "feelers."

There are other dots on the segments that are sensitive to touch.
Sometimes there are tiny hairs on the antennae, also sensitive to touch.

The little fellows feel and smell, yes, and oftentimes _hear_ with their
antennae.

Many insects have spots sensitive to sound on the antennae.

Yes, indeed, May, it is wonderful that such tiny threads as an insect's
antennae should hold so many kinds of sensitive spots.

An insect's antennae are among the most wonderful things in the world.

And _I_ think a cockroach, in spite of its bad reputation, is a very
wonderful little fellow.

What is that, May? Our cockroach is drawing one of its antennae through
its mouth?

Ah, yes, see it clean its antenna, children.

It seems to nibble at it as it draws it through its mouth.

Insects are very careful to keep their antennae clean.

It would not do to let these sensitive spots become covered with dust,
you know.

[Illustration]

NEIGHBOR WALKING STICK

Isn't this a pretty place to sit down and--

"Ouch! ow! ow! ow!"

Why, May, what is the matter?

Anybody would think you had seen a cockroach.

What has she found, John?

[Illustration]

Oh, it is a walking stick!

Why do I call it that?

Look and see.

Does it not look like a stick?

And does it not walk?

Then why is not walking stick a good name for it?

May thinks its legs look like a collection of pine needles, for they are
green and flat on the upper joints.

It is as pretty as it is queer, with its brown body and its green legs.

This is the male walking stick; the female has brown legs. She is brown
all over, just the color of dried leaves, and she is not as slender as
her mate.

Mollie thinks it is the long and slender thorax that makes the walking
stick look so queer.

See its thorax. Its six legs are attached to its thorax, which is as
long and as slender as the abdomen.

John thinks it looks queer because everything about it is so long and
slender.

[Illustration]

Long antennae, long legs, long thorax, long abdomen--that is Mr. Walking
Stick.

Sir, why do you have such long antennae? Can you hear and