LEPIDOPTEROUS INSECTS. 75 
we conclude, that they guided their flight more by 
the weight of the superincumbent air, than by the 
direction of the wind,—an inference rendered more 
probable, by their never being seen on the heights, 
which there rise steeply from the shore.” * 
We are well aware, that the wings of bats are 
analogous to the human hand, but possess a degree 
of feeling much more exquisite than that organ in 
man. Foy it is certainly by the nervous sensibility 
of their wings that they are enabled to avoid flying 
against walls, trees, and other objects, in the dark. 
Moths possess this faculty, but in a degree not so 
perfect as bats. It is a well known fact, that all 
insects are extremely sensible of any atmospheric 
change, and that when it is in an electrified state, 
they retire to some sequestered retreat. This is 
especially the practice with butterflies, moths, and 
sphinges. 
« The excellence of the sense of touch in many 
insects,” says Dr Darwin, “ seems to have given 
them wonderful ingenuity, so as to equal or even 
excel mankind in some of their arts and discoveries.” 
He has beautifully illustrated this in his Temple of 
Nature. 
The wasp, fine architect, surrounds his domes 
With paper foliage, and suspends his combs ; 
Secured from frost, the bee industrious dwells, 
And fills for winter all her waxen cells ; 
* Insect Miscellanies, p. 12. 
VOL, I. F 
