GREAT VARIETY OF HABITS. 7 



Neither ai-e they less beautiful than the most beautiful 

 shells — for what shells can equal the splendid coatings of 

 the ChrysididcB, or with the extraordinary forms of the Dy- 

 nastidoef — Neither are they inferior to the feathered tribes in 



DTTiastes Hercules (Brazil), one-third of the natural length. 



their varied economy, whilst the very circumstance of their 

 infinite numbers and ubiquity renders their observation a 

 matter of comparative facility. If we notice them with refer- 

 ence to the latter peculiarity (that of their varied economy), 

 we find them occupied in works as varied as those of the 

 most consummate mechanic and artist. Here we find one 

 suspen(hng itself by a series of mechanical motions, by one 

 extremity of the body, whilst others keep themselves from 

 falling during their state of inactivity, by passing a cord 

 round the middle of the body ; here some construct, for the 

 like purpose, a bed of the finest silk, whilst others, with the 

 greatest ingenuity, form their domicile of other and very 

 diiFerent materials, varying in the several species, whose 

 economy is consequently different. Some unite to form 

 a common lodging, whilst others separately incase them- 

 selves in a coat of w ool as soon as they are born. In many 

 instances the patient care of the female in the construction 

 of her nest, and in the preservation of her offspring, is not 

 surpassed by the highest amongst animals. In all these things. 



