INSECTS. 488 
count of the shortness of its life; it is a small insect origi- 
nating from a larva residing in rivers : after having re- 
mained several months in the creeping state, a nymph is 
formed, from which the perfect insect bursts, three or four 
hours after midday, into the fly form, and dies soon after. 
This fly has the singular characteristic of casting off its 
entire skin, very soon after it has attained its perfect 
state ; and hence persons often find their clothes covered 
with its white exuviae. 
ORDER V. 
THE wings are neither so large nor so strongly veined as 
in the previous order. The mouth is furnished with man- 
dibles, maxillae, and an upper and lower lip ; and the ab- 
domen of the female is always terminated either with an 
ovipositor or a sting. The metamorphosis of these insects 
is complete. 
THE BEE. (Apis mellifica.) 
One summer's morn 
A Bee rang'd o'er the verdant lawn ; 
Studious to husband every hour, 
And make the most of every flower. 
Nimble from stalk to stalk she flies, 
And loads with yellow wax her thighs ; 
With which the artist builds her comb, 
And keeps all tight and warm at home ; 
Or from the cowslip's golden bells 
Sucks honey, to enrich her cells ; 
Or ev'ry tempting rose pursues, 
Or sips the lily's fragrant dews ; 
Yet never robs the shining bloom, 
Of either beauty or perfume. 
COTTON. 
Y 2 
