62 



MECHANISM IN INSECTS. 



and Aptera), and by the total absence of parts which 

 in others had held a conspicuous place. Contrast 

 this diversity of structure with the comparative uni- 

 formity observable among the higher animals. Con- 

 sider, too, how admirably each set of organs is adapted 

 to the peculiar food on which the insect lives ; what 

 infinite skill, what minute, yet beautiful mechanism, 

 they respectively exhibit, and you will admit that 

 Entomology may have many a sentiment of humble 

 admiration and wonder — many a devout and unpre- 

 meditated outpouring of devotional feeling laid upon 

 her shrine ; and that the words which Cleomenes em- 

 ployed when speaking of Delphos would not in the 

 present instance be inapplicable ; 



" The air most sweet " — " the temple much surpassing 

 The common praise it bears." — TVinter'n Tale, Act III. Sc. I. 



