Kite (French, "Cerf-volant")

Some years ago, when reading Dr. Paris' popular work called *Philosophy in Sport made Science in Earnest*, 5th edition, London, J. Murray, 1842, I observed that the author could not explain the meaning of the French term "cerf-volant," applied to the toy so well known among boys in England as a "kite," and in Scotland as a "dragon." The following passages will solve this mystery: "Cerf-volant. Scarabæus lucanus. Sorte d'insecte volant qui porte des cornes dentelées, comme celles du cerf. "Cerf-volant. Ludicra scarabei lucani effigies. On donne ce nom à une sorte de joüet d'enfans qui est compo…