THE PYROPHORE.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 1585, 15 April 1887, Page 3

THE PYROPHORE.

At a recent meeting of the Academy of Sciences, at Pa rip, a plate half filled with water, in which were half a dozen insects about an inch in length, which shone l'k*» diamonds, although tlitf room was fillod with sunshine, wis passed around among the members. These insects have been brought from Mexico, where they are found in the forests. Their scientific name is the pyrop'iore ; and as none had ever been seen before in Europe, they created quite a sensation. The light resembles that of a glow-worm or firefly, although as much more brilliant and intense as an electric lamp surpasses a wax taper in its power of illumination. When the light begins to fade it can be made as brilliant as before by shaking the insect, or dipping it m water. It is said the Indians of Mexico use them for a light at night, as a few will suffice to illuminate an entire room.

When they are walking at night they put one on each foot, so that they can be sure of their way and, also that they do not step on any venomous snake or reptile with which the tropical forests abound. The Mexican ladies buy them of the Indians, and enclose them in a transparent bag, which they wear in their hair or at the neck. The effect is very beautiful, especially when several are worn; and, as the Indians sell th»»m for a few cents a dozen, th-*y they are within the reach of every fair one. They are fed on sugar cane, and, if well taken care of, will live a long time. One placed upon a page will enable it to bo read with ease in the darkest nitrht.