CA ALPHABET OF INSECTS. 



We know not what " is stated to prevent misconception :" 

 we leave our readers to discover. We acknowledge " mis- 

 conception is apt to mislead a genuine field-observer ; and is 

 certain" (the "Alphabet of Insects" is an excellent example) 

 " to mystify and bewilder a compiler." 



" These jointed members " (the palpi) " are called feelers, though 

 the term is objectionable, because their use is not well ascertained." 

 P. 44. 



This is admirable, after the antennae have been called by 

 the Professor " ears," because they are bent forward and 

 moved in walking. The Professor considers their use well 

 ascertained. 



" I think the feelers " (palpi) " on the under jaw, &c. may be 

 more plausibly considered the organs of touch." P. 80. 



This is very like a contradiction to the last quotation we 

 gave ; but we find the Professor not very particular on these 

 subjects : perhaps he will explain it. 



" In earwigs, there is a forked member on the last ring, the blades 

 of which are moveable, and which are " (the Professor is not at all 

 nice about grammar,) " said to be used for folding up (rather, I 

 should think, for unfolding) the wings, which are, for the most 

 part, concealed under the short wing cases." P. 57. 



The forceps not only is not, but cannot, be used for any 

 such purpose. This idea, to a naturalist, is perfectly ludicrous. 



" It" (the winglets or alulae,) " is sometimes double ; that is, two 

 to each wing, like a bivalve shell. It" (we understand the Pro- 

 fessor has a Conspectus of Grammar in a state of great forwardness) 

 *' does not, as has been supposed, produce the buzzing of flies." 

 P. 55. 



That these alulae do produce the loud buzzing noise made 

 by flies, recent experiments have proved almost beyond a 

 doubt. The fact has for years been considered as settled ; and 

 we know not what right the Professor has thus to contradict 

 an established fact, without even condescending to attempt 

 a reason for so doing. 



" Consequently, there is not, and cannot be, any real or direct 

 circulation of blood in insects ; though a claim to the discovery of 

 such a circulation has been lately made, upon very slight grounds, 

 by Professor Cams, of Dresden." P. 67. 



