OBSERVATIONS ON INSECTS. 345 



ichneumon tripulce, which pierces the tender bodies and 

 deposits its eggs in the larva of the Tipula tritici, an insect 

 which, when it abounds greatly, is very prejudicial to the 

 grains of wheat. This operation I have frequently seen it 

 perform with wonder and delight. MARKWICK. 



BOMBYLIUS MEDIUS. 



The Bonibylius medius is much about in March and the 

 beginning of April, and soon seems to retire. It is a hairy 

 insect, like a humble-bee, but with only two wings, and a 

 long straight beak, with which it sucks the early flowers. 

 The female seems to lay its eggs as it poises on its wings, 

 by striking its tail on the ground, and against the grass 

 that stands in its way, in a quick manner, for several times 

 together. WHITE. 



I have often seen this insect fly with great velocity, stop 

 on a sudden, hang in the air in a stationary position for 

 some time, and then fly off again; but do not recollect 

 having ever seen it strike its tail against the ground, or 

 any other substance. MARKWICK. 



MUSCLE. FLIES. 



In the decline of the year, when the mornings and even- 

 ings become chilly, many species of flies (Muscce) retire into 

 houses, and swarm into the windows. 



At first they are very brisk and alert ; but as they grow 

 more torpid, one cannot help observing that they move 

 with difficulty, and are scarce able to lift their legs, which 

 seem as if glued to the glass; and by degrees many do 

 actually stick on till they die in the place. 



It has been observed that divers flies, besides their sharp 

 hooked nails, have also skinny palms, or flaps to their 



