"It is classed as a beetle.

It is one of the best friends the farmer has, and the fruit grower too." "How is it useful to him ?" asked Nancy.
"Why, it eats the lice that spoil certain plants and leaves and grain.
I notice that the Australian government is--Do you girls know where Australia is ?" he asked, interrupting himself.
"Of course we do," they all shouted with much laughing, as if it were a great joke to ask them such a question.
"Well, I was going to tell you that the Australian government is taking steps to encourage the ladybird on purpose to help the fruit farmers of that country.

Perhaps they have heard that it brings good luck," he added with a smile.
"Let's show it to Dickey Downy and then put it out of the door and let it go home," said Polly.
"Dickey Downy wouldn't know a lady-bird from a grasshopper," answered Nancy teasingly.
Polly retorted, "Don't be too sure! Dickey is a very intelligent bird, a very extraordinary bird." She contented herself with paying me compliments, for instead of bringing the crimson beetle into the store she opened the window and let him fly away.
"Well, I'm glad I have learned something new about ladybirds," remarked Louise, as she tied her hat strings ready to go home.
"And I too," chimed in Nancy.

"I am glad the Australians prize the pretty little creatures.

It's nice to be useful and handsome too." Then both girls said good-bye and ran home.
A few days later Polly announced to Miss Kathy that she was ready to read the long promised tale.
"Mother says you will be in the back room sewing this afternoon, so I will bring my little rocker and sit here and read to you.