INSECTS. 471 
an oval shape. There is great elegance in the manner in 
which the insect folds its wings beneath its elytra. 
The Black Beetle, or Cockroach, (Blatta Orientalist) so 
common in London kitchens, is nearly allied to the 
Earwig. 
THE WALKING LEAF. (Phyllium Siccifolia.) 
THIS insect is remarkably shaped. The head is joined to 
the body by a neck longer than the body itself. It has 
two polished eyes, and two short feelers. The breast is 
long, narrow, and margined. The wing-cases, which 
cover two-thirds of the body, are veined and reticulated, or 
netted. The wings are veined and transparent. The 
hinder legs are very long, the next shorter; and the fore- 
most pair of thighs are terminated with spines : the other 
having membraneous lobes, which serve as wings to them 
in their flight. The top of the head is membraneous, 
shaped like an awl, and divided at its extremity. This 
animal is one of the innumerable instances which Nature 
affords of the infinite wisdom of the Creator ; for, when- 
ever an animal is found to deviate in shape from the gene- 
