12 ILALF HOURS WITH EtsTSECTS. [Vxchxud. 



pieces, of which there is a definite number to each of the 

 thirteen segments or rings that compose the body of every 

 insect, exclusive of the head, which is supposed to consist 

 theoretically of four segments, we have to consider the 

 numerous joints of the antennae, of the mouth parts wliich 

 consist of three pairs of appendages, and of the legs. We 

 see therefore that descriptive entomology has to take account 

 of several hundred distinct pieces, which by changes in their 

 relative size and position produce the immense range of vari- 

 ation in the half a million species which are found living or 

 dead upon the earth. Thus the idea of articulation upon 

 which Cuvier founded this branch of the animal kingdom, 

 wiiich begins so simply in the worm and grows more complex 

 in the crab and its allies, in the insect is carried out with a 

 richness and profusion of detail that is almost bewildering. 

 It is like comparing a boat dug out of a log to the Great 

 Eastern, or an Indian's wigwam to the cathedral of Milan. 



Our frontispiece conveys an idea of the metamorphosis of 

 a butterfly, a moth and a beetle. The butterfly is the pretty 

 Melitcea Phaeton, which flies in June and July. Its cater- 

 pillar feeds on the golden rod, and when it transforms into 

 the pretty white chrysalis, fastens itself b}' the tail to the 

 stem of the plant and hangs head downwards, awaiting its 

 final change into the butterfly. 



The moth whose transformations are represented on the 

 left of the plate, is the Ctenucha Virginica. It is a dark 

 blue insect which flies in the hottest sunshine, contrary to 

 the habits of the majority of moths. Its caterpillar, which 

 feeds on grass, is like the Hairy Bear of our gardens, and 

 constructs under stones a jjretty cocoon of hairs which it 

 plucks from its own body. 



The water beetle is the common Gyrinus or whirligig beetle, 

 so commonly seen gyrating in small parties over the surface 

 of our ponds. Its singular larva is long and slender, with long 

 fringed breathing appendages along the sides of the body. 



12 



