CHAPTER IX. 



CLASSIFICATION OF LEPIDOPTEROUS INSECTS. 



THIS is the third Order of Insects, according to 

 the Linnaean classification. 



The insects of the order which contains the various 

 kinds of Butterflies, Sphinges, and Moths, have all 

 four wings, covered with scales, or a sort of farina ; * 



* These scales are so very minute, that they are taken 

 for extremely fine dust. When, however, they are examined 

 through a powerful lens, the scales are found to be placed in 

 the most perfect order, and, where there is a diversity of 

 colour, not unlike mosaic work of the most exquisite descrip- 

 tion. It cannot but be extremely pleasing, to the contemplative 

 mind, to draw a comparison between the finest productions of 

 human art, and those of the Divine Architect. Comparisons 

 have been made between the irregularity that appears in the 

 finest needle, when examined by a microscope, and the won- 

 derful accuracy of the sting of a bee or a wasp ; and the 

 unequal contexture of the finest cambric, when compared 

 with seme natural productions. The comparison instituted 



