318 CONTENTS. 



Of the food of animals. Rapidity of growth in some worms 144148 



Of the function of digestion. Experiments of Spallanzani on stomachs 



of different kinds 148151 



Experiments of Dr. Stevens on digestion in man 151 153 



Mr. Hunter's opinion of the powers of the stomach 153154 



CHAPTER VII. 



OP THE TRANSFORMATION OP ANIMALS. 



Change which takes place in Man, Quadrupeds, Birds, Reptiles, &c 154157 



Transformation of Insects. Of the metamorphoses which commonly take 



place 157160 



Transformations which differ from the common mode. Spider-fly, Crane- 



fly, Nut-gall Insect, Moth, and Silkworm 160164 



Mode in which the metamorphosis takes place 164 



Change in plants. Monstrous flowers 164166 



Composition and decomposition of plants and animals 166 



Final intention of Nature in these changes 166168 



CHAPTER VIII. 



OP THE HABITATIONS OP ANIMALS. 



Habitations of the same species uniform. Man an exception 168 



Habitations of Quadrupeds. Marmot, Beaver, and Mole 168174 



Nests of Birds. Rapacious Birds. Magpies, Tailor-bird, Gallinaceous 

 birds, Cuckoo, Passerine birds, Chinese Swallow, Waders, Web- 

 footed birds 174179 



Habitations of Insects. Solitary workers, Mason-bee, Woodpiercers, 



Solitary bees, Solitary wasps 179186 



Associating Insects. Combs of the Honey-bees ; mode in which they are 



constructed ; materials employed, and mode of preparation 186 190 



Propolis, and the purpose for which it re collected by bees. Collection of 



honey 190192 



Habitations of Wasps, materials and construction ; great fertility of 



Wasps ._ 193-194 



Some account of their manners and internal economy 194 199 



Habitations and economy of Ants 199 201 



Of the Termites or White Ants ; of the species denominated Termites 



bellicosi ; the three orders Laborers, Soldiers, and Nobility 201202 



Their great changes of form and size, and wonderful fertility 202203 



Appearance of their nests, their construction ; the royal chambers and 



nurseries 203207 



Courage and obstinacy with which they defend their habitations 207 20 



