HISTORY OF INSECTS. 89 



297. The strength of an arch is taught us by 

 the white ant, whose plastered domes are so strong 

 that men may safely stand on them, and it has 

 been said that wild bulls fight on them. 



298. Mortar is made by several kinds of bees, 

 and of the best possible composition ; that which 

 hardens almost instantly on exposure, and is not 

 liable to be moistened again by wet. 



299. Nocturnal lights are recommended to us 

 by the use made of them by the various fire-flies 

 which illuminate the trees in tropical countries all 

 night long with their sparkling lamps. 



300. These facts, combined with the foregoing 

 histories, tend to show that insects perform no 

 very inconsiderable part in creation ; and that, 

 whether as instruments of convenience and utility, 

 sources of injury and annoyance, or examples of 

 industry and economy, they cannot reasonably be 

 despised. 



END OF THE HISTORY OF INSECTS. 



