2^^ of INSECTS IN" GENERAI. 



The feet of thcfe animals are generally fix ; the crats 

 and fplders have eight, and the fcolopendra has a much 

 greater number. Thej are divided into the thighs, wiiic'i 

 are attached immediately to the body ; the tibia or fliankg 

 immediately below the fecond joint ; and the tarfi, which 

 ni*e compofed of various articulations, and are terminated 

 by nails : The hind feet receive different appellations, 

 according as they are formed, for executing the various 

 movements of walking, running, leaping, or fwimming *'. 



The wings are in fome fubjefts two, and in others four 

 in number; and are fo various in their colour, fhape, 

 and ccniiftency, that they afford many cliaraftsrs for the 

 dillribution of thefe aninrials. The elytra or v-'ing-cafes 

 are two, formed of a cruiiaceous fubflance, and for the 

 nioft part mo%^eable : They ferve as a cover to the un- 

 der wings, and furniili diftinguiiliing marks to the na- 

 turalift. Under the wings of dipterous infects arc placed 

 the halters or poifers, which are compofed of a fmall ftalk, 

 terminating in a round knob or head ; and are fuppofed to 

 ferve the purpofe of balancing the animal, as is expreffed 

 hy their French name f. 



After this ihort account of the external parts of ini- 

 fects, and explanation of the technical language by which 

 they are exnrelled, the reader will be able to fee the pro^ 

 priety of the Lirmcean divifion of this clafs of animals in- 

 to feven orders ; an arrangement which conftitutes the 

 bafis of a fvftera of entyrnology the moft fimple and ju- 

 dicious that has ever yet been devifed. 



The firft order of infcdts is called the coleopterous : It 

 conftils of all thofe animals that have membrenaceous 



wingSy 



** Hence fhey are callccly cuiforii, faltatcrii, and natatorin &c. 

 t Lesbalancicrs. 



