MICROSCOPES. 257 



one over the other, with long spikes in regular order ; its 

 neck is finely arched ; it has two large black eyes, and a 

 pair of horns, or feelers. Its head is very extraordinary ; 

 from the front part proceed two legs, and between them is 

 its sucker, or piercer, by which it penetrates the skin of 

 animals, and draws out the blood. It has also four other 

 legs, and when it takes its amazing leaps, it folds the short 

 one within the others, and exerting its spring at the same 

 time, carries itself to a great distance for so small a creature. 



The Com?non Fly becomes an interesting object by dis- 

 secting it, and placing the different parts under the micro- 

 scope, particularly the foot ; the body is covered with long 

 hair, the head contains two large eyes, and is one of the 

 most curious objects under the microscope that can be con- 

 ceived, for it is found to contain a number of lenses, or eyes, 

 and, like the spider, it cannot move its head ; the trunk con- 

 sists of two parts, sheathed in the mouth. It deposits its 

 eggs in any kind of flesh ; these are generally called fly- 

 blows, but if examined will be found perfect eggs ; from 

 the eggs proceed minute worms, or maggots, which in a 

 few days become flies. 



The Clothes Moth. Many are not aware to what extent 

 of mischief this little creature is capable : all kinds of line 

 woollens, furs, and feathers, if not entirely destroyed, are 

 rendered perfectly useless in a short time, by this diminu- 

 tive enemy. The perfect insect is a small moth, not so 

 large as the common fly, of a pearly appearance, which 

 may often be observed to fly out on opening the doors of 

 wardrobes, boxes, drawers, &c. In the summer months 

 they deposit their eggs in woollen substances, where they in a 

 short time become small caterpillars, and immediately begin 

 their work of destruction ; they creep into the folds of the 

 cloth, and remain undetected till the cloth is held up to the 

 light, when it is found as full of holes as if it had been per- 

 forated with shot. 



Mouldiness. All kinds of mouldiness on decayed fruit, 

 bread, &c., the microscope discovers to be exceedingly 

 minute plants, bearing leaves, and, in every respect, de- 

 veloping the same beauty and regularity as the leaves of the 

 trees, &c. 



22* 



