THE INSECT WORLD. 
INTRODUCTION. 
Ir is not intended here to thoroughly investigate the anatomy 
of insects; but, as we are about to speak of the habits and economy 
of certain created beings, it is necessary first to explain the 
principal parts of their structure, and the stages which every 
perfect insect or zmago has undergone before arriving at that 
state. . 
We therefore proceed to explain, as simply as may be, the 
anatomy of an insect, and the functions of its organs. 
If we take an insect, and turn it over, and examine it carefully, 
the first thing that strikes us is that it is divided into three parts: 
the head; the thorax, or chest; and the abdomen, or stomach. 
The head (Fig. 1) is a kind of box, formed of a single piece, 
having here and there joints more or less strongly marked, some- 
times scarcely visible. It is furnished in front 
with an opening—often very small—which 
is the mouth; and with others for the eyes, 
and for the insertion of the antenne, or horns. 
The integuments of the head are generally 
harder than the other parts of the body. It 
is necessary that this should be so. Insects 
often live and die in the midst of substances 

5 < i Fig. 1.—Head of an 
which offer some resistance. It is necessary, insect. 
therefore, that the head be strong enough to overcome such resist- 
ance. The head contains the masticatory organs, which, frequently 
B 
