X 



CHAPTER XVI. 



Insecta (Insects). 



We have now to do with a host of creatures, which, 

 though of minute dimensions, are sufficiently conspicuous 

 in many aspects to have been objects of popular interest 

 in all ages. We find no longer the soft gelatinous bodies, 

 sluggish habits, and indeterminate forms, which have so 

 generally characterised the races through which we have 

 passed ; but active and agile animals, of firm and solid 

 parts, furnished with well-appointed limbs, liberally en- 

 dowed with organs of sense, in full variety and perfection, 

 and displaying a versatility of instinct, and a measure of 

 intelligence that would scarcely be surpassed by the 

 noblest of the brute creation. The mailed and powerful 

 Beetle, the soaring Butterfly, the predaceous Dragon-fly, 

 the industrious Bee, the sagacious Ant — are representa- 

 tives of the Class of Insects. 



The unparalleled number of species included in this 

 division, and the consequent abundance and variety which 

 exist in the details of structure and habits, render it 

 difficult to give anything like a popular view of the whole 

 Class within reasonable limits. Probably above 150,000 

 species of Insects exist in the cabinets of European collec- 



