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l J9 



Order V. 

 HYMENOPTERA. 



The Hymenoptera have four transparent, 

 membranous wings, of unequal size ; the two 

 inferior being always much the smallest. All 

 the wings are strongly marked with longitu- 

 dinal nerves, but the transversal nerves are not 

 so evident. While the Hymenoptera are fly- 

 ing, the wings are extended on the same plane, 

 and are strongly united by means of several 

 little hooks, which are not visible without the 

 help of the microscope. This union is effected 

 by hitching the internal edge of the upper wing 

 to the external edge of the lower, so that the 

 wings never separate during flight ; but seem, 

 as it were, formed of a single membrane. The 

 mouth also is a character of consequence in 

 E 2 



