CHAPTER IX. 
CLASSIFICATION OF LEPIDOPTEROUS INSECTS. 
Tus is the third Order of Insects, according to 
the Linnean classification. 
The insects of the order which contains the various 
kinds of Butterflies, Sphinges, and Moths, have all 
four wings, covered with scales, or a sort of farina ;* 
* Theso scales are so very minute, that they are taken for 
extremely fine dust. When, however, they are examined 
through a powerful lens, the scales are found to be placed in 
‘the most perfect order, and, where there is a diversity of 
colour, not unlike mosaic work of the most exquisite descrip- 
tion. It cannot but be extremely pleasing, to the contemplative 
mind, to draw a comparison between the finest productions of 
human art, and those of the Divine Architect. Comparisons 
have been made between the irregularity that appears in the 
finest needle, when examined by a microscope, and the won- 
derful accuracy of the sting of a bee or a wasp; and the un- 
equal contexture of the finest cambric, when compared with 
some natural productions. The comparison instituted between 
mosaic and the seales on the wings of papilionaceous insects, is 
not less interesting. 
Mosaic work is of very ancient invention, but the moderns 
have greatly improved the art. Pictures of various subjects 
