402 ^ tOOD OF INSECTS. 



of them, if we except the Termites, whose cunning 

 mode of insinuating themselves into houses in tropical 

 climates has been detailed in a former letter, can be 

 said to use stratagem in obtaining their food. 



Of the carnivorous species, the greater proportion 

 attack their prey by open violence, such as the Cictn- 

 delcB, Carabidce and Staphi/limdoR ; the Ichneumonidce, 

 Spheges and Vespce; the Mantes^ CimicidcB, Libellii- 

 lidce, &c. ; which have been before adverted to. But 

 a very considerable number, chiefly, however, of one 

 tribe, that of spiders, provide their sustenance solely 

 by artifice and stratagem, the singularity of which, and 

 the admirable adaptation of the instruments by which 

 they take their prey to the end in view, afford a most 

 wonderful instance of the power and wisdom of the 

 Creator, and have attracted admiration in all ages. A 

 description of these, however, which will require a 

 detailed survey, I must refer to another letter. 



I am, &c. 



