INSECTS. 
183 
produce the lac of India, and the splendid dye called 
“cochineal” of tropical America. The sole possession of 
the latter insect was an object of jealous care with the 
government of the Spanish colonies, and so highly was it 
valued by other nations, that our own East India Com- 
pany offered a reward of L.GOOQ sterling to any one who 
should be so fortunate as to introduce it into their domi- 
nions. That object has been effected, and cochineal is 
now cultivated in many countries. 
Finally (for we need not stop to describe the few para- 
site, darkness-loving, uncomely insects that belong to the 
wingloss ordors), we have the order of Ditteua, or Two- 
wings, including the Gnats, the House and Flesh Flies, 
whose chief distinction is indicated in their name. This 
is a populous group, and many of its members display 
habits and instincts which are highly entertaining ; per- 
haps none more so than those of the common Gnat, from 
the construction of its tiny boat of eggs, to its emergence 
from the water, empowered to suck our blood in its mer- 
ciless practice of phlebotomy. 
