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coloured as frequently to make these insects marvellously beautiful. 



The abdomen is composed of several ring-like segments, but in com- 

 mon with the other regions of the body, is often greatly changed, and 

 has the segments welded together or atrophied. From the tip of the 

 female abdomen frequently projects the ovipositor, which is most 

 conspicuous in some hymenoptera, and which is modified in many 

 interesting directions. The male abdomen in a large number of insects 

 differs in shape from that of the female, and the sexual organs are more 

 or less conspicuously developed. 



In addition to the structures which have been so briefly indicated, 

 there is often much of interest in the sculpture or vestment of the body. 

 Some insects are smooth ard highly polished, deriving their beauty 

 from brilliant metallic or other colours of the body wall ; others depend 

 for their adornment on dense coverings of pubesence or scales, which, 

 as in the case of those which beautify the butterfly, make exquisite 

 objects for microscopical examination. 



The internal anatomy of insects is no less a favourite study for 

 those who desire to see the mechanism which enables each of these 

 tiny creatures to fulfil its destiny in this world. For anatomical study 

 with the microscope insects are peculiarly well adapted, as they can 

 always be obtained, are easy to kill and handle, and have elaborate 

 muscular, nervous and digestive systems. 



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