226 INSECTS NOT MENTIONED BY SHAKSPEARE. 



" The gorg-eous insect hovering in the air," 



will not monopolize your attention, although it will 

 rouse your admiration. The less conspicuous in- 

 habitant of the "impregnable and gnarled oak," 

 whether residing in the leaves or in the trunk, will 

 be sought for, — places you formerly regarded as 

 " barren, barren, barren," will now be explored, — 



" The green myriads in the peopled grass," 



will be examined, — and 



" By paved fountain, or by rushy brook. 

 Or on the beached margent of the sea," 



(Midsummer Nif/ht's Dream, Act II. Sc. II.) 



you will find the countless objects of your observa- 

 tion and research. It seems to me right, however, 

 that before closing the present series of letters, I 

 should introduce to your notice some tribes of insects 

 which have not been mentioned by Shakspeare, and 

 relate some circumstances with respect to their his- 

 tory-, which invest them either with interest or im- 

 portance. You well know, " I have no superfluous 

 leisure ; my stay must be stolen out of other affairs ; 

 but I wiU attend you awhile," until the object I have 

 now mentioned be accomplished. 



And first, let me bring forward the singular habits 

 of a large and important family of insects, the 

 IchneumonidcE . These singular beings deposit their 



