As I was paddling by Dodge’s Brook, a great devil’s needle lit on my paddle, between my hands. It was about three inches long and three and a half in spread of wings, without spots, black and yellow, with green eyes (?). It kept its place within a few inches of my eyes, while I was paddling some twenty-five rods against a strong wind, clinging closely. Perhaps it chose that place for coolness this hot day.

  To-day, as yesterday, it is more comfortable to be walking or paddling at 2 and 3 P.M., when there is wind, but at five the wind goes down and it is very still and suffocating.

  I afterward saw other great devil’s-needles, the forward part of their bodies light-blue and very stout . . .