172 IXOPES 



can be prepared to stop their ravages or the 

 results directly or indirectly arising out of 

 their existence. This age in which we live 

 will be referred to in history as the age 

 in which this special line of research was 

 initiated. 



At the meeting of the British Association 

 recently held it was conclusively shown that 

 the disastrous plague is spread throughout 

 India by the agency of a parasite. 



We have four creatures to notice, which 

 cannot be recommended for any apparent 

 beauty they may possess. If they have ele- 

 ments of beauty, it is probable these are only 

 recognised and fully appreciated by their own 

 species. 



They differ from insects in general chiefly 

 in that they possess eight legs instead of six ; 

 the thorax also is fused with the abdomen, 

 while the abdomen is not divided into segments. 



The mouth -appendages are adapted for 

 piercing, sucking, or biting. 



A very wonderful tracheal system is usually 

 present. 



