OF INVERTEBRATE ANIMALS. 
137 
the standard of magnitude. The variety of their forms is likewise very great, 
and in no part of Nature is the exquisite chiselling of the Great Architect more 
apparent than in many of these beautiful insects. This order is well known, as 
they are so universally diffused. Amongst the most interesting is the Glow-worm, 
which lights up its little lamp, to “ beautify and cheer the night.” On what this 
property depends, the investigation of the learned have not yet determined; it, 
however, is connected with the principle of life; for as soon as vitality is extinct, 
the animal no longer shines. This light does not proceed from the whole body, 
but from the last segment but one of the abdomen, and seems to be given to the 
animal as a beacon to her mate, her winged partner, who not only differs from her 
in not possessing this light so brilliant, but also in having a pair of wings to fly 
with. Another insect of this class, -well known, and which, although small, on 
account of its destructive habits gains considerable attention in this country. I 
allude to the Turnip-fly. The ova or eggs of this insect appear to be deposited 
upon the seed of the Turnip before they are planted ; whilst the seed of the plant is 
growing the ova of the Turnip-fly do the same; and as soon as the young Turnip 
appears above ground, it has its little enemy ready to destroy it. Amongst the 
leaves of young Turnips they may be seen at any time of the year, hopping about 
like Fleas. Great rewards have been offered for a means of getting rid of this 
insect, but at present all efforts have been vain, and some years our Turnip-crop 
is entirely spoiled by the destructive ravages of this apparently insignificant 
agent. The greater proportion of this order live on vegetables, and some subsist 
upon solid wood of any kind, &c. 
The next order is that to which the Butterflies and Moths belong; it is called 
Lepidoptera , or Scale-winged. These insects are generally admired, not only on 
account of the lavish profusion with which the Creator has adorned them with 
the most lively and agreeable colours, but also by reason of the elegant and 
graceful manner in which they sport about the fields and gardens during the most 
pleasant season of the year. 
Hemiptera , or the Half-winged order, includes the Grasshoppers, Cockroaches, 
Locusts, Bugs, and other insects of that kind. They are among the most sin¬ 
gular-looking insects we have, their legs, bodies, and wings resembling dried 
sticks and leaves more than any thing else. Some, however, are very beautiful, 
as the green Locusts and others. These are the animals which, passing over the 
lands of the East, go in such prodigious numbers, that they carry desolation 
wherever they appear. 
Those large insects, with nerved transparent wings, and called Dragon-flies, 
belong to an order to wliich the name Neuroptera , or Nerve-winged, is given. 
They are the most voracious insects we have, preying unscrupulously on the 
