134 ICHNEUMONS OF THE PLATYGASTEE. 



few particular species of caterpillar ; and the 

 females instinctively proportion the number of 

 eggs they deposit in each individual to the 

 relative size of their own offspring, and that of 

 the insect on which they are destined to prey.'* 

 It is impossible to contemplate these liabits 

 of the minute insects thus brought before our 

 notice, without being deeply impressed with 

 the omnipresence of the great Being to whom 

 all things owe their existence. The same hand 

 that spread the north over the empty space, 

 and suspended the earth upon nothing, and 

 keeps the stars in their courses, regulates the 

 numbers, instincts, and uses of the smallest 

 living things, appearing equally perfect in all : 



•' What less than wonders from the Wonderful, 

 What less than miracles from God can flow ?" 



The two other ichneumons mentioned by 

 Mr. Kirby are supposed to limit the increase 

 of the platygaster tipulse. One of them is 

 said to oviposit in its eggs, the other in its 

 maggots. There are also many other species, 

 opening a wide and curious field of inquiry for 

 ihe entomologist. Several very interesting 

 drawings of those alluded to here are given 

 by Mr. Curtis, in the paper previously recom- 

 mended to fhe reader's careful perusal. One 



