THE 



LOUSE. 



Generic Character, 



Head furnifhed with a retrdBUe tube for fudion. 

 Anteimce of the length of thorax. 

 Feet fix, formed for walking. 

 Abdomen deprelTcd and fublobatedi 



Specific Character, &e. 

 LOUSE with oblong cinereous lobated abdomen ^ 

 The COMMON LOUSE. 



To introduce an animal of an appearance fo inele- 

 gant as the prefent into a work of this nature, might 

 almoft feem a violation of the plan announced in its 

 title : there are however circumftances in its hiftory, 

 and particulars in its conformation, which are well 

 worthy the attention of philofophic enquirers ; and 

 if it cannot be confidered as beautiful, it may at 

 leaft be numbered amongft the more curious produc- 

 tions of nature : it may alfo be added, that it has 

 from time immemorial been confidered as a kind of 

 Cpmpanion (though furely of a far lefs elegant cha- 

 racter 



