Animalcules in Waters . 89 
fmeared over with an oily Fluid, ferves like 
a Cork to keep them above Water ; their 
Heads being fometimes lifted into the Air, 
and fometimes plunged into the Water, while 
the Tail Hides along the Surface. And if the 
Oil on the Tail begins to dry, they fhed 
from their Mouth a new Supply upon it, 
which redores its Ability of fleering where 
they pleafe, without being wetted or preju- 
diced by the Water. After living in this 
Manner the Time appointed by Providence, 
a dranger Change fucceeds: for, refigning 
their Eyes, Horns, and Tail, arid calling off 
their whole Skin, there iffues forth a Race 
of Infects of a quite different Element: the 
moil beautiful and delicate Plumage adorns 
their Heads; their Limbs are condituted 
with the fined Texture ; they have Wings 
curioufly fringed and ornamented; their 
whole Bodies are in veiled with Scales and 
Flair, and they are actuated by a fur prizing 
Agility : in fhort, they become Gnats , and 
fpring into the Air. And, what is mod 
amazing, a Creature that but a Minute fince 
was an Inhabitant of the Water, would now 
be drowned if it were plunged therein. 
I have been the more particular in my 
Account of this Metamsrpbqfis, as I appre¬ 
hend many Sorts of the Animalcules in Fluids 
undergo Changes in fomewhat a like Man¬ 
ner. I ihall only add here, that the 
little Creature whofe Picture I have given. 
