X PRELIMINARY 



eight thousand. By the help of this truly 

 amazing apparatus, she sees on every side, 

 with the utmost ease and speed, though 

 without any motion of the eye, or flexion of 

 the neck. 



The dress of insects is a vesture of re- 

 splendent colours, set with an arrangement 

 of the brightest gems. Their wings are the 

 finest expansion imaginable, compared to 

 which lawn is as coarse as sack-cloth. The 

 cases which inclose their wings, glitter with 

 the finest varnish, are scooped into ornamental 

 flutings, are studded with radiant spots, or 

 pinked with elegant holes. Not one but is 

 endued with weapons to seize their prey, and 

 dexterity to escape their foe ; to dispatch the 

 business of their station, and enjoy the plea- 

 sure of their condition. 



What if the Elephant is distinguished 

 by his huge proboscis ? The use of this is 

 answered in these his meanest relations, by 

 their curious feelers, remarkable, if not for 

 their enormous size, yet for their ready 

 flexion and quick sensibility. By these they 

 explore their way in the darkest road : by 

 these they discover and avoid whatever might 



