INSECTS. 277 



CHAPTEE xxyni. 



INSECTS. 



Theke is nothing more beautiful, wonderful and inter- 

 esting than insect life ; there is nothing that offers a 

 wider field for examination or affords more gratify- 

 ing results. Under the head of insects are classed, 

 in popular language, all the minute animals ; but 

 only those having six legs and two antennae, and which 

 undergo one or more changes or metamorphoses should 

 be included ; most of them have wings, and their name 

 is derived from the word insecta, divided, which is ap- 

 plied to the divisions or articulations of their bodies. 

 The outer part of their body is slightly bony, and to it 

 the muscles are attached. 



Insects exist in myriads ; whole families are still 

 undescribed, and many species unknown. Even in the 

 old countries new discoveries are made yearly, and in the 

 ~New "World it can hardly be said that anything is 

 authenticated on the subject. Facts concerning the com- 

 monest are most remarkable. One class of white ants, 

 like our southern fellow countrymen, makes slaves of a 

 darker race. Many beautiful flies live only a few hours. 

 The eyes of the common house fly are composed of nu- 

 merous surfaces or lenses, and their life, habits and 

 instincts are a study in themselves. Being so numerous 



