LIFE IN THE INSECT WORLD. 13 



As we may still have an hour to talk, I should 

 like to tell you something more about these won- 

 derful little creatures ; but, in the first place, I 

 must explain to you what an insect is. 



Harriet. Oh, Aunt Mary, we all know what 

 insects are. 



Aunt M. What are they, then ? 



Harriet. Flies, spiders, ants, bees, and all 

 such little animals are insects. 



Aunt M. Not quite right. You have men- 

 tioned the names of a few insects, but even there 

 you are a little out of the way ; for the spider, 

 although very similar in most respects, cannot 

 properly be called an insect. 

 . Mary. Spiders not insects ! that is very 

 queer. What is the reason they are not ? 



Aunt M. I will tell you what distinguishes 

 insects from other animals, and you will then 

 see why the spider cannot be classed among 

 them. 



The word Insect means cut into, and is only 

 properly applied to those animals which have in 

 their backs two deep cuts, separating the body 

 into three distinct parts: the head, the thorax, 

 or chest, and the abdomen, as perhaps you have 

 2* 



