88 



THE UNIVERSE. 



with points, plates, or most fantastic knobs, which transform 

 them into so many monstrosities. On looking at some of 

 them one might take them for insects in masquerade, veri- 

 table sports of nature, lusus naturce. So much was the 

 old entomologist, Geoftroy, struck with their singular forms 



35. Various Membraceaj, much magnified. "Little Devils" of Geoffroy. 



that he gave them the name of little devils. One cannot 

 really conceive what purpose so many fantastic appendages, 

 so embarrassing to the figure and movements of the wear- 

 ers, can serve among these fragile tribes, for they are all of 

 the smallest dimensions. 



If anything in insects surpasses the diversity of forms, it 



