ZOOLOGY. 195 



deficient parts ; or if a worm be divided in two pieces they 

 will each in a short time, under favourable circumstances 

 become perfect animals. 



Now Insects, the constant food, and the objects of 

 almost unremitting search, by such a great variety of 

 animals; had they the feelings supposed generally to exist 

 in all animated bodies, their lives must be a continued round 

 of pain and watchfulness ; not that we conceive it probable 

 they are entirely destitute of feeling, but their sense of pain 

 is so far blunted, as not in he of that nature generally under- 

 stood by the term. That it is consistent with the beneficence 

 of Almighty wisdom, that these his creatures should expe- 

 rience pleasure, we feel convinced ; and with that mercy so 

 benevolently extended to all his works, has kept them 

 from experiencing those painful sensations which their rank 

 in creation would subject them to, if possessed of the sensi- 

 bility so evident in the Mammiferous Class. 



Insects not being possessed of any external organs, adapt- 

 ed for the purpose, are considered as incapable of hearing, 

 yet they are sensible of any loud or shrill sound ; whether 

 they are endued with the sense of smell is equally doubtful, 

 no organ being found likely to answer that purpose, never- 

 theless they perceive, agreeable or foetid effluvia, but in a 

 manner we are entirely unacquainted with. 



These animals are composed of three parts ; the 

 head, thorax, and abdomen : the head is placed at the 

 anterior part of the body, and is joined to the thorax or 

 trunk, which has the legs inserted into it ; that its parts may 



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