LECTURE IX. 
96 
are systematically distributed for the convenience 
of investigation and arrangement; and shall give 
a few examples of each division. 
The Linnaean system of entomology being of 
all others the most elegant and easy, will be best 
calculated for our purpose. Linnseus distributes 
all insects into seven Orders or great assortments, 
the first of which contains all the insects of the 
Beetle tribe, or such as have strong horny sheaths 
or covers to their wings. I must here observe, 
that the term Beetle is more particularly restricted 
to one single genus so called, but in a general 
sense it takes in the whole tribe called by Linnasus 
Coleoptera or sheath-winged insects. In these 
animals the real or proper wings are of a mem- 
branaceous nature, and when not in use are cu- 
riously folded under the exterior strong or horny 
sheaths. The Coleopterous insects form a very 
large or extensive order ; the genera or particular 
sets being very numerous, and each distinguished 
by some leading particularity of appearance.- 
In the genus Beetle, properly and emphatically 
so called (in Latin Scarabaus,) the distinctive cha- 
racter is that the antennm or horns are furnished 
at the tip with a slightly-expanded part, divided 
