288 



THE MICROSCOPE. 



steps by which that despised and almost unnoticed larva, that but a 

 few days before was grovelling in the earth, with its internal organisa- 

 tion fitted only for the reception of, and assimilation of, the grossest 

 vegetable matter, has had the whole of its internal form so completely 

 changed, as now to have become an object of admiration and delight, 

 and able to ( spurn the dull earth,' and wing its way into the open at- 

 mosphere, with its internal parts adapted only for the reception of the 

 purest and most concentrated aliment, now rendered absolutely neces- 

 sary for the support and renovation of its redoubled energies. 



Our space will not admit of an examination of every part of the 

 insect ; we therefore content ourselves with noticing only such as pre- 





fig. 126. 



Under- surface of a Wasp's Tongue, Feelers, &c. Within the circle is represented 

 the life-size of same. 



sent some point of interest to the microscopist. The various parts will 

 be easily recognised by referring to the illustration of the common 

 Crane-fly (fig. 125). The insect has its body constructed with a view 

 to its being furnished with wings for the purpose of poising itself in the 

 air. The number of segments of which the body is normally composed 

 is thirteen ; but some of them are so joined together, or concealed, as 

 to make it appear that fewer segments are present. 



