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LETTEE XXII. 



MOTIONS OF INSECTS. (Larva and pupa.) 



Amongst the means of defence to which insects have recourse, 

 I have noticed their motions. These shall be the subject of 

 the present letter. I shall, not, however, confine myself to 

 those by which they seek to escape from their enemies ; but 

 take a larger and more comprehensive survey of them, in- 

 cluding not only every species of locomotion, but also the 

 movements they give to different parts of their body when in 

 a state of repose : and in order to render this survey more 

 complete, I shall add to it some account of the various organs 

 and instruments by which they move. 



Whenever you go abroad in summer, wherever you turn 

 your eyes and attention, you will see insects in motion. They 

 are flying or sailing every where in the air ; dancing in the 

 sun or in the shade; creeping slowly, or marching soberly, 

 or running swiftly, or jumping upon the ground ; traversing 

 your path in all directions ; coursing over the surface of the 

 waters, or swimming at every depth beneath ; emerging from 

 a subterranean habitation, or going into one; climbing up the 

 trees, or descending from them; glancing from flower to 

 flower ; now alighting upon the earth and waters, and now 

 leaving them to follow the impulse of their various in- 

 stincts ; sometimes travelling singly ; at other times in count- 

 less swarms : these the busy children of the day, and those of 

 the night. If you return to your apartment — there are these 

 ubiquitaries — some flying about — others pacing against gra- 

 vity up the walls or upon the ceiling — others walking with 

 ease upon the glass of your windows, and some even venturing 

 to take their station on your own sacred person, and asserting 

 their right to the lord of the creation. 



This universal movement and action of these restless little 

 animals, gives life to every part and portion of our globe, ren- 



