66 LECTURE Y. 



forest can be travelled through without many 

 impediments. But for these useful insects, no 

 one could get through them. 



The nests of many insects, as I have men- 

 tioned, are very curious and interesting. I have 

 brought two or three specimens of them to show 

 you. One is that of a moth, found in South 

 America. You will see with what labour and 

 wonderful skill it is formed, and how impossible 

 it seems for an insect, shaped as a moth, to in- 

 troduce these numerous bits of sticks and fix 

 them on the outside of its nest. Here are some 

 other specimens I have brought to show you. 



But I must not forget to tell you of a little 

 creature which lives far out at sea, and is found 

 on the gulf-weed. Its name is latiopa. Some- 

 times a rough wave will sweep it from the weed 

 and force it into the deep waters ; but it is pro- 

 vided with an air-bubble, and it glues to this 

 bubble a thread, which it lengthens as the bub- 

 ble naturally rises to the surface. This small 

 quantity of air, before it bursts, floats on 

 the water, and is soon attracted by the gulf- 

 weed, towards which it runs and fastens itself 

 alongside. Then up comes the insect, by means 

 of her thread, and thus regains her seat on the 



