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XXIII. Farther observations on the feet of animals whose pro- 
gressive motion can be carried on against gravity . By Sir 
Everard Home, Bart. V. P. R. S. 
Read June 27, 1816. 
Since my observations on the foot of the lacerta gecko and 
fly were laid before the Society, Mr. Bauer, of Kew, has 
made drawings of the feet of both these animals ; in the hands 
of an artist who has attained such excellence in the correct 
representation of objects highly magnified, the mechanism by 
which the feet are fitted for supporting the weight of the 
animal against gravity, is much better shown. 
Mr. Bauer has not confined his labours to these objects, 
but has applied the powers of the microscope to the exami- 
nation of the feet of other insects, and has enabled me to 
show, that the principle on which progressive motion against 
gravity depends, is very extensively employed by nature in 
the structure of the feet of insects ; indeed the means em- 
ployed for this purpose are so various, as to form characters 
by which many genera may be distinguished. 
I shall not enter farther into this enquiry than to show 
some of the varieties of the structure. 
My friend, Dr. Leach, whose researches in entymology 
fit him so admirably for the purpose, will, I trust, prosecute 
this subject, and ascertain the peculiarities that belong to the 
feet of different insects, fitting them for their peculiar habits 
