ZOOLOGT. 189 



families of insects, who search for substances of this descrip- 

 tion, whereon to deposit their eggs ; when this wonderful 

 round of oeconomy began to be perceived, the subjects of 

 course were considered more worthy of attention, soma 

 of the kinds were found to afford a substance capable of 

 being converted into food, as Honey, which was accom- 

 panied by another article, also applicable to domestic pur- 

 poses and Medicine, as Wax; other kinds produced a sub- 

 stance easily converted into clothing, as Silk ; others wera 

 discovered to afford valuable permanent dies ; and thus by 

 attending to and seeking out those which positively contri- 

 buted to the luxuries of Man, a knowledge was gained of 

 those kinds which afforded him a sort of secondary assistance. 



Of the latter description, some cleared the surface of the 

 earth of foetid and putrid substances, whilst others performed 

 the same office to the waters, and each was observed to 

 assist in sustaining, and contributing to that beautiful order 

 so conspicuous in the works of their divine creator, who 

 has formed nothing in vain. 



The study of this science introduces us to a knowledge of 

 the wonderful cEConomy and industy, constantly exerted bv 

 the greater part of this large family. The several changes 

 that numerous species undergo, both of forms and manners, 

 previous to their attaining their complete or perfect state, 

 are all subjects of admiration, and render Entomology, one 

 of the most entertaining of the Sciences. 



Insects are for the greater part oviparous ; the females, 

 juided by unerring instinct, deposit their eggs in situa- 



