33S CT INSECTS IN GENZRAS* 
I 
The feet of thefe animals are generally fix ; the c'rab# 
and fpiders have eight, and the fcolopendra has a much 
greater number. They are divided into the thighs, which 
are attached immediately to- the body ; the tibia or fiianks 
immediately below the fecond joint ; and the tarfi, which- 
are eompofed of various articulations, and are terminated 
by nails : The hind feet receive different appellations, 
according as they are formed, for executing the various 
movements of walking, running, leaping, or fwimming *. 
The wings are in fome fubje&s two, and in others four 
in number; and are fo various in their colour, fiiape, 
and confillency, that they afford many characters for the 
diftribution of thefe animals. The elytra or wing-cafes 
are two, formed of a cruftaceous fuhftance, and for the 
molt part moveable : They ferve as a cover to the un- 
der wings, and furnifh diftinguiihing marks to the na- 
turalift. Under the wings of dipterous infefts are placed 
the halters or poifers, which are eompofed of a fmall ftalk, 
terminating in a round knob or head ; and are fuppofed to 
ferve the purpofe of balancing the animal, as is expreffed 
by their Tfreneh name f. 
After this (hort account of the external parts of in- 
fers, and explanation of the technical language by which 
they are expreffed, the reader will be able to fee the pro- 
priety of the Linnxan divifion of this clafs of animals in- 
to leven orders ; an arrangement which conftitutes the 
balls of a fyftem of entymology the moft fimpie and ju- 
dicious that has ever yet been devifed 
The fil'd order ol infefts is called the coleopterous : It 
confifts of all thofe animals that have membrenaceous 
wings, 
* Hence they are called, curforii, faitatcrii, and natatorii, & c. 
+ Lcs balancicrs. 
