64 HUMBLE CREATUKES. 



LETTER VIII. 



LDPB-HISTOBY OF THE PLY. — ORGANS OP BBPBODUCTION. — 

 MODE OP DEPOSITING ITS EGGS. — TABLE SHOWING ITS EE- 

 IttABKABLB BEPEODUCTIVB POWERS. — THE LABVA; THE 

 PUPA. — TBANSPORMATIONS. — THE PERPBCT PLY ; ITS 

 HABITS. — STRANGE PATAL DISEASE TO WHICH IT IS SUB- 

 JECT. — ITS USES AS A SANATORY AGENT, ETC. — TRANS- 

 PORMATION OP MATTER IN THE ANIMAL CREATION. — RE- 

 ELECTIONS UPON GEOLOGICAL PACTS IN CONNEXION WITH 

 THE PLY. — CONCLUSION. 



However cursory the foregoing review of the won- 

 derful structure and varied functions of the Fly may 

 have been, stiU we think you wiU experience some 

 difficulty in realizing the idea that we have been de- 

 scribing that familiar insect whose swarms invade 

 our parlours and store-rooms as the summer months 

 approach, and become so formidable that we are 

 obliged to resort to various expedients in order to rid 

 ourselves of their presence. Although this is the 

 most unfavourable aspect under which the Fly pre- 

 sents itself to our notice, yet the very multitudes that 

 force themselves into our dwellings, and cause us so 

 much annoyance, suggest to the reflecting observer 

 considerations which are far from uninteresting. 



