ORDER IIl.—BUGS. 77 
The Louse (Pediculus). 
Among the Hemipterous Insects, which are distinguished 
from the other orders by their suctorial organs, as well as 
by the fact that they do not undergo a perfect metamor- 
phosis, the Bugs, properly so called, form a very consider- 
able number of different species, some of which, particular- 
ly those of the tropics, are ornamented with the most beau- 
tiful colors. They live upon animated beings, both on land 
and in the water; also in forests, gardens, and meadows; 
and are, according to their food, either carnivorous or herb- 
ivorous. 
I trust f shall be pardoned for introducing to the notice 
of my readers a very disgusting Insect, which seems to 
have been created for the purpose of punishing inattention 
to personal cleanliness. 
Certain parasites whose destiny it is to dwell upon the 
human body, and which we call lice, have been placed by 
Linnzus and his followers among the wingless (apterous) 
insects; but if we consider that they, like the Hemipterous 
Insects, are provided with a suctorial organ, also with air- 
holes for breathing, and do not undergo a perfect metamor- 
phosis, we are forced to place them, like the wingless bed- 
bugs, in this order. The other parasites, which live upon 
beasts, birds, fishes, and insects, and which are also called 
by the people lice, belong to different other orders. 
Many years ago, when people paid very little attention 
to personal cleanliness, it was generally believed to be a 
sign of good health to be infected with lice, by whom it 
was thought the impure juices of the body were extracted. 
Parents were, on that account, glad to see the heads of their 
children covered with sores, which were thickly populated 
with this vermin. But when they became better instruct- 
ed, and began to keep their children clean, these insects 
ceased to be fashionable. For this purpose it is probable 
