or msECTs in general. 347 



Some, immediately on leaving the egg, afl'ume a form 

 pretty nearly refembling that which they poflels after 

 their growth is completed. The whole order of aptera, 

 which comprehends all the different kinds of fpiders, 

 come under this denominarion : The viviparous infedls^ 

 in like mannner, appear at lirfl, under their moil perfedt 

 form. Some kinds, without undergoing all the changes 

 of the filk worm, or that of the common butterfly, after 

 having grown for a certain period, depofite a covering ia 

 which their wings were inveloped, and afcend into the 

 air. Previous to this change, however, thefe enjoyed 

 the power of locomotion by means of their limbs, and in 

 thit Hate were difcingui/hed by voracity and a£l;ivity : 

 Of this defcription are all the dilTerent fpecles of locufts. 

 The flies, vv^afps, and be-es, conflitute another clafs, which, 

 after leaving their vermiciilar form, and afier pafling in- 

 to their chryfalis flate, diiplay their limbs and wings with- 

 out being capable of ufmg them. The lafl: and moil com- 

 plete example of transformation is difplayed by the clafs 

 of moths and butteifiies. On leaving the egg, and even 

 liefore it, they alTume the form of worms, which tlicy 

 again change for that of tiie n^'^mplie, aurclia, orchryfalis: 

 and it is not till they have lived a considerable time un- 

 4er this form, that they throw off a fecond covering, and 

 come forth winged infers. 



One of the rncH wonderful circumflances in the econo- 

 rvj of infccls, is the different preparations which they 

 make, and the expedients to which they have recourfe fcr 

 :theirprefervation in tliclr aurelia flate. Many dig a hole iu 

 the earth, where they remain during the whole period of 

 their inaclivity. Tiiis is t!ie invention of all the coleop- 

 icro-uo infe£ls, or fucli r.s liavc cvuflaceous wings. The 

 X K 2, gnsirsj 



