82 



THE MICROSCOPE. 



were so numerous that they committed serious damage 

 on the crops in many parts of England. From the 

 eggs are produced small larvae, which at once bore a 

 hole in the leaves, and tunnel between the cuticles ; 



Egg of Mangold- Worzel Fly magnified. 



whole fields soon present an appearance as if the 

 leaves of the plants had suffered from some scorching 

 influence. The larvae, when full grown, drop out of 

 the leaves and turn to pupae in the earth. The eggs 



of the common gnat 

 ( Ctilex pipietis} are de- 

 posited, by the aid of 

 the insect's hind-legs, 

 in a small boat-shaped 

 mass, which floats upon 

 the surface of the water. 

 They are of a longish 

 oval form with a small 

 knot at the top, and all 

 are packed closely to- 

 The larvae, whose peculiar twistings and 



The Boat, Eggs, and Egg of a Gnat. 



gether. 



jerkings must be familiar to everybody who has ever 

 looked into a rain-tub, are very active little creatures, 

 and interesting objects for microscopic study. 



The hairs and scales which beset the surface of 

 many insects will long afford you delight. The dust 

 which so readily comes off the wings of butterflies and 

 moths will be found to exhibit, under the microscope, 

 very beautiful forms. These scales are deposited in 

 regular layers upon each side of the membranous 



