78 HALF WIMGS, 



All their wings are quite transparent, 

 When they have them, and not folded, 

 But above their backs meet rooflike ; 

 All their feet are but twojointed. 

 And their legs not formed for leaping. 

 These are Plantlice, Aphidina. 

 There are many circumstances 

 Curiously appertaining 

 To the life of these frail Plantlice, 

 Circumstances which not even 

 Those most learned in the marvels 

 That abound in lives of insects 

 Understand, or can decipher. 

 May be that thy ardent spirit, 

 Laura ! when it comes to ponder 

 On the mysteries of creation, 

 Shall elucidate these problems. 

 And in all the other Orders 

 Which I've briefly set before thee 

 There are wonders upon wonders, 

 Which will task thy utmost powers 

 Of mspection and reflection. 



