INSECTS. 97 



the less scientific observers, liorns, or feelers ; and the latter 

 term shows that they are applied to external objects in such 

 a manner as to indicate that they are organs of touch. There 

 is also reason to believe they are to some extent organs of 

 hearing; but great doubt yet exists as to the precise extent 

 and nature of their functions. They are very diversified iu 

 their form and structure, and vary not only in different genera, 

 but often in the males and females of the same species. 



That insects have the sense of touch and of taste, is gene- 

 rally conceded; and that of smell they have been supposed to 

 possess in such perfection, that one of our most popular poets 

 has asserted that Bees return to then* hives by retracing 



" The varied scents which charmed them as they flew."* 



While we dissent from this poetical theory, we would by 

 no means deny the powerful influence which certain odours 

 exert in repelling or attracting these creatures. Of this Mr. 

 Knapp gives an instance, in speaking of one of the Beetles, 

 which from their habits are called " Dung-chafers." One or 

 two only of the common Dor or blind Beetle {Geotrupes 

 stercorarius) are usually seen at the same time. But, on one 

 evening, such numbers of these insects were passing, as to 

 constitute a little stream. This naturally excited his attention ; 

 and "I was led," he continues, "to search into the object of 

 their direct flight, as in general it is irregular and seemingly 

 inquisitive. I soon found that they dropped on some recent 

 nuisance; but what powers of perception must these creatures 

 possess, drawn from all distances and directions, by the very 

 little fajtor which in such a calm evening could be diffused 

 around! and by what inconceivable means could odours reach 

 this Beetle, so as to rouse so inert an insect into action I but 

 it is appointed one of the great scavengers of the earth, and 

 marvellously endowed with powers of sensation and means of 

 effecting the purpose of its being."f 



The sense of hearing was formerly denied to insects, even 

 by naturalists so distinguished as Linnaeus and Bonnet. 

 Shakspcare entertained a different and more correct opinion, 

 when he used the words, — 



" I will tell it softly; 

 Yon Crickets shall not hear me." 



• Rogers', " Pleasures of Memon>'." 

 f Journal of a Naturalist, 3d edition, page 319. 

 Part i. "■ 



