78 The Microscope. 



fig. 7, and possesses a weapon of defence, in the 

 shape of a pointed beak or proboscis, capable of in- 

 flicting a very sharp prick. Like the house-fly, and 

 scores of other insects, this single specimen would 

 afford a considerable number of microscopic objects. 

 The same may be said of the little Gyrinus, or 

 whirligig beetle, the wing of which is already figured 

 (Plate II.) . 



A woodcut of the whole insect is given on p. 77, 

 magnified eight diameters. This little beetle, the length 

 of which is about a quarter of an inch, is particularly 

 worthy of close examination, from the various appli- 

 ances with which it is endowed to provide for the 

 wants of its aquatic life, and from the rare beauty 

 and finish of every portion of its structure. 



