THE ANTENNA THE NOSE. 359 



their most probable function. If they are not 

 ears, we are not able to point to any other organs 

 in the head which are. From a number of facts 

 it is certain, that insects can hear; from which it 

 is equally certain,, that they must possess special 

 organs. We may, therefore, until the contrary is 

 shown with respect to them, fairly be allowed to 

 consider the antennas as these organs. The opinions 

 of Messrs. Kirby and Spence on this point are con- 

 veyed in the following words: ee They conceive 

 that antennae by a peculiar structure may collect 

 notices from the atmosphere, receive touches or 

 vibrations, and communicate them to the sensorium 

 (or brain), which, though not precisely to be called 

 hearing, may answer the same purpose." The late 

 celebrated Dr. W. F. Erichson of Berlin, by means 

 of the microscope, has discovered in all insects, 

 and especially in those most remarkable for their 

 powers of smelling, that these organs are fur- 

 nished with a number of fine pores, clothed with 

 membrane, which he regards as organs of smell.* 



Every one has heard of M. Pelisson, the pri- 

 soner at the Bastile, and his spider companions 



* Tide the admirable Address of "W. Spence, Esq. F.R.S. 

 President of the Entomological Society for 1849 ; p. 5. 



