1 90 Lindlei/s Syjiopsis of the British Flora, 



nalis. The drawings to illustrate these chapters 'are most beautifully "en- 

 graved and coloured. 



The following is a description of the larva and pupa of the plumed gnat : 

 " The transformation," says Mr. Pritchard, " of this animal from the larva 

 to the pupa is one of the most singular and wonderful changes that can be 

 conceived ; and, under the microscope, presents to the admirer of nature a 

 most curious and interesting spectacle. Although the whole operation is 

 under the immediate inspection of the observer, yet so complete is the 

 change, that its former organisation can scarcely be recognised in its new 

 state of existence. 



" If we now compare the different parts of the larva with the pupa, we 

 remark a very striking change in the tail, which, in the previous state of 

 being, was composed of twenty-two beautifully plumed branches ; while, in 

 the latter, it is converted into two fine membranous tissues ramified. This 

 change appears the more remarkable, as not the slightest resemblance can 

 be discovered between them ; nor can any vestiges of the former tail be 

 found in the water. The partial disappearance of the shell-like bodies is 

 another curious circumstance. The two lower of them, it may be conjec- 

 tured, go to form the new tail, for if the number of joints be counted from 

 the head, the new tail will be found appended to that joint which was nearest 

 them in the larva state. The two small horns which form the white-plumed 

 antennae of this species of gnat, when in its perfect state, are discernible in 

 the larva folded up under the skin near the head. The alimentary canal 

 appears nearly to vanish in the pupa, as in that state there is no necessity 

 for it; the insect then entirely abstaining from food j while, near this canal, 

 the two intestinal blood-vessels seen in the larva have now become more 

 distinct, and are supplied with several anastomosing branches. 



" During the latter part of the day on which the drawing was taken, the 

 rudiments of the legs of the perfect insect might be seen, folded within that 

 part which appears to be the head of the pupa ; and several of the globules 

 had vanished, those remaining longest that were situated nearest the head. 

 It may be necessary to observe that the head of the pupa floats just under 

 the surface of the water ; and the insect, in this state, is nearly upright in 

 that fluid, while the larva rests its belly or sides at the bottom of the pond 

 or vessel in which it is kept. 



" The circuitous manner in which the Creator appears to form this species 

 of gnat, and many other of his smaller productions, is truly wonderful. Other 

 creatures are formed directly either from the egg or the natural womb. As, 

 however, the Deity does nothing in vain, it may be presumed that He must 

 have had in view some important object in the preliminary steps through 

 which these beings have to pass, as from the egg to the larva^ chrysalis, and 

 perfect insect ; and, however low these minutiae of nature may be held in 

 the estimation of the unthinking mass of mankind, this most elaborate pro- 

 ceeding renders it not improbable that they may be deemed by Him the 

 choicest and most exquisite of His productions. These mysterious creative 

 operations of nature, as detected and unravelled by microscopes, are surely 

 grand and capital subjects for observations. I should pity the spirit of the 

 man who scorned to be amused by inspecting these marvellous metamor- 

 phoses, and disdained to be informed of the manner in which they are ef- 

 fected." 



Lindley, John, Esq. F.R.S. L.S. and G.S. ; Member of the Imperial Aca- 

 demy Naturae Curiosorum of Bonn, of the Botanical Society of Ratis- 

 bon, and of the Physiographical Society of Lund; Corresponding 

 Member of the Linnean Society of Paris ; Assistant Secretary of the 

 Horticultural Society; and Professor of Botany in the University o| 

 London : A Synopsis of the British Flora, arranged according to thf 

 Natural Orders ; containing Vasculares, or Flowering Plants. Londor 

 8vo. \os, 6d. 



