INSECTS. 277 



CHAPTEK XXYIII. 



INSECTS. 



THERE is nothing more beautiful, wonderful and inter- 

 esting than insect life ; there is nothing that offers a 

 wider field for examination or affords more gratify- 

 ing results. Under the head of insects are classed, 

 in popular language, all the minute animals ; but 

 only those having six legs and two antennae, and which 

 undergo one or more changes or metamorphoses should 

 be included ; most of them have wings, and their name 

 is derived from the word insecta, divided, which is ap- 

 plied to the divisions or articulations of their bodies. 

 The outer part of their body is slightly bony, and to it 

 the muscles are attached. 



Insects exist in myriads ; whole families are still 

 undescribed, and many species unknown. Even in the 

 old countries new discoveries are made yearly, and in the 

 New World it can hardly be said that anything is 

 authenticated on the subject. Facts concerning the com- 

 monest are most remarkable. One class of white ants, 

 like our southern fellow countrymen, makes slaves of a 

 darker race. Many beautiful flies live only a few hours. 

 The eyes of the common house fly are composed of nu- 

 merous surfaces or lenses, and their life, habits and 

 instincts are a study in themselves. Being so numerous 



