TRANSFORMATION OF INSECTS. 



653 



waters by the innumerable insects which usually inhabit 

 them. We have witnessed ample proof of the efficacy in 

 this respect of Gnat larvae, when keeping them to observe 

 their transformations. Water swarming with these ' lives 

 of buoyancy ' has been perfectly sweet at the end of ten 

 days ; while that from the same pond, containing only 

 vegetable matter, has become speedily offensive. 



" We have already pointed out the utility of insects in 

 affording ever-new subjects of interesting inquiry. And 

 let those who will look scorn upon our pursuit ; but few 

 are more adapted to improve the mind. In its minute 

 details, it is well calculated to give habits of observation 

 and of accurate perception ; while, as a whole, the study 

 of this department of nature, so intimately linked with 

 others above and below it has no common tendency to lift 

 our thoughts to the great Creative Source of Being, to 

 Him who has not designed the minutest part of the 

 minutest object without reference to some use connected 

 with the whole." 



The shapely limb anl jabricated joint 

 Within the small dimensions of a point, 

 Muscle and nerve miraculously spun, 

 His mighty work, who speaks, and it is done ; 

 The invisible in things scarce seen revealed, 

 To whom an atom is an ample field." 



I^n 



