a, common cricket in the larva state. 6, ditto in the (so called) pupa state, c, ditto in the 

 perfect state. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



METAMORPHOSIS OF INSECTS.* 



THE preceding chapters serve to illustrate, in some degree, 

 the remarkable change in form and manner of life which is 

 so peculiarly characteristic of insects. This change has in 

 all ages attracted admiration. What can be more wonder- 

 ful than the fact that an unsightly worm should pass through 

 a shrouded and death-like sleep, and should wake at last a 

 glorious butterfly, to bask in sunshine, float on the impal- 

 pable atmosphere, and quaff the luscious nectar of beaute- 

 ous flowers ! Well might such a miracle be made a poet's 

 theme ! Well might those philosophers, on whose minds 



* The substance of this chapter was read before the Linnean Society, 

 on the 1st of April, 1834, and subsequently published in the 3rd vol. of 

 the c Entomological Magazine.' 



