360 THE LIFE OF AN INSECT. 



of the cell. This gentleman had, by patient 

 training, engaged the attention of a spider, which 

 used every day to come and listen to a solo on his 

 violin, after which it would make its retreat again 

 to its home. Now it is clear, that this little insect 

 not only heard, but even enjoyed, the notes of his 

 instrument ; which would have been impossible, 

 had it possessed no ears. Then again, every one 

 must have noticed the start which a fly will make 

 if some sharp noise be made near it, and how 

 actively it will move its legs, and seem to be put 

 all on the qui vive. A little e very-day observa- 

 tion will furnish iis with many similar instances. 

 " A little moth," writes one of the last-mentioned 

 authors, " was reposing on my window ; I made 

 a quiet, not loud, but distinct noise ; the antenna 

 nearest to me immediately moved towards me. 

 I repeated the noise at least a dozen times, and 

 it was followed every time by the same motion 

 of that organ ; till at length the insect, being 

 alarmed, became more agitated and violent in its 

 motions. In this instance it could not be touch ; 

 since the antenna was not applied to a surface, 

 but directed towards the quarter from which the 

 sound came, as if to listen." Can we question that 



