FLY. 
381 
wings, and the first segment of the abdomen yel- 
lowish on each side. It proceeds from a larva of 
a very singular appearance, being a long-tailed 
brown maggot, of rather slow motion, measuring 
about three quarters of an inch in length, exclusive 
of the tail, which is extensile, and consists of a 
double tube, the exterior annulated into numerous 
segments, and the interior slender, and terminated 
by a circle of hairs, surrounding a spiraculum or 
air-hole. This maggot is seen in muddy stagnant 
waters, drains, and other places of the dirtiest 
description; and notwithstanding its unpleasing 
appearance, exhibits, when accurately examined, 
many particulars well worthy of admiration: the 
feet in particular, which are seven in number on 
each side, are wonderfully calculated for enabling 
the animal to ascend walls or other perpendicular 
places, in order to seek some proper situation in 
which it may undergo its change into chrysalis, 
being very broad, and beset on their under sur- 
face with numerous, small, hooked claws; giving 
it the power of clinging with security during its 
ascent. 
Of this larva a particularity is stated, on the 
authority of Linnmus, which, if true, may indeed 
well be numbered among the Miracula Insecto- 
rum; (the title of the paper in the Amoenitates 
Academical, in which it is announced,) viz. that 
being a frequent inhabitant of the turbid pulp 
used in the operation of paper-making, it is often 
exposed to the action of the wooden mallets used 
in the process, as well as squeezed in the strongest 
