76 Dissections of Insects. 
the copulatory act. I think this curious fatality is limited 
to few species. 
To study viscera, which of course requires very caréful 
dissection, we need more apparatus than has been yet 
described. Here a good lens is indispensable. A small 
dissecting knife, adelicate pair of forceps, and some small 
sharp-pointed dissecting scissors—those of the renowned 
Swammerdam were so fine at the point that it required a 
lens to sharpen them—which may also serve to clip the 
wings of queens, are requisite to satisfactory work. Speci- 
mens put in alcohol will be improved, as the oil will be 
dissolved out and the muscles hardened. Placing them in 
hot water will do nearly as well, in which case oil of tur- 
pentine will dissolve off. the fat. This may be applied 
with a camel’s-hair brush. By dissecting under water the 
loose portions will float off, and render effective work 
more easy. Swammerdam, who had that most valuable 
requisite to a naturalist, unlimited patience, not only dis- 
sected out the parts, but with small glass tubes, fine as a 
hair, he injected the various vessels, as the alimentary canal 
and air-tubes. My reader, why may not you look in upon 
these wondrous beauties and marvels of God’s own handi- 
work—nature’s grand exposition? Father, why would 
not a set of dissecting instruments be.a most suitable gift to 
your son? You might thus sow the seed which would 
germinate into a Swammerdam, and that on your own 
hearth-stone. Messrs. Editors, why do not you, among 
your apiarian supplies, keep boxes of these instruments, 
and thus aid to light the torch of genius and hasten apiarian 
research? 
TRANSFORMATIONS OF INSECTS. 
What in all the realm of nature is so worthy to awaken 
delight and admiration as the astonishing changes which 
insects undergo? Just think of the sluggish, repulsive 
caterpillar, dragging its heavy form over clod or bush, or 
mining in dirt and filth, changed, by the wand of nature’s 
great magician, first into the motionless chrysalis, decked 
with green and gold, and beautiful as the gem that glitters 
on the finger of beauty, then bursting forth as the graceful, 
