518 MOTIONS OF INSECTS. 



a horizontal direction. The females are sometimes in the air, when the 

 males seize them, and they fly paired. These insects seem to use their 

 fore-legs to break the air ; they are applied together before the head, and 

 look like antennae. — Hilara maura, a little beaked fly, I have observed 

 rushing in infinite numbers like a shower of rain driven by the wind, as 

 before observed, over waters, and then returning back. 



It is remarkable that the smaller Tipularia. will fly unwetted in a heavy 

 shower of rain, as I have often observed. How keen must be their sight, 

 and how rapid their motions, to enable them to steer between drops bigger 

 than their own bodies, which, if they fell upon them, must dash them to 

 the ground ! 



Amidst this infinite variety of motions, for purposes so numerous and 

 diversified, and performed by such a multiplicity of instruments and organs, 

 who does not discern and adore the Great Fikst Mover? From him all 

 proceed, by him all are endowed, in him all move : and it is to accomplish 

 his ends, and to go on his errands, that these little but not insignificant 

 beings are thus gifted ; since it is by them that he maintains this terra- 

 queous globe in order and beauty, thus rendering it fit for the residence 

 of his creature man. 



I am, Sic. 



