THE SCIENCES OF THE INSECT WORLD. 
195 
ences which we remark belong not so much to the methods as to the 
speciality of their wants and situation. The insect aptly varies the 
application of its arts. For example: the spider which, in its network- 
trap, improvised every day, lightens its work by a mixture of gluing 
and spinning, follows quite a different process in the important labour 
of fabricating the soft, warm, and durable cocoons which are intended 
to receive its young. The nest would seem to be partly spun and 
partly felted, like the majority of birds’ nests. 
We know that from the water-spider man derived the idea of the 
diving-bell; but it is not generally known that an ingenious Norman 
peasant has succeeded in imitating perfectly the operations of the larva 
of the syrphes, which, by means of an extremely prolonged respiratory 
apparatus, preserves a communication with the pure and wholesome air, 
even while working at the bottom of the most putrid waters. 
It seems, then, that in the Insect World exist a complete pharmacy, 
chemistry, and perfumery. Have our sciences been sufficiently atten¬ 
tive to this fact ? The potent vitality which gives an extraordinary 
force to the muscles of such tiny creatures, seems also to endow their 
liquids with active properties and burning energies which the large 
animals do not possess. Many, for defensive purposes, are gifted with 
caustic secretions—which they eject the moment you approach—or with 
fulminating powders. Others with poison, which flows as soon as the 
sting has been thrust in. Some possess, in addition, an art of magne¬ 
tizing or etherizing their enemy; and others, like certain ants which 
work in damp, woody places, season their abodes by burning them, as 
it were, with potent formic acid. 
The entire genus of the Cerccmbyx (or Long-horned Beetle) exhale 
a strong, rose-like odour, which is smelt at a distance, is lasting, and 
endures after the creature’s death. Even among the Carnivora, ay, and 
among the Coprophagi, we meet with perfumed insects, or, at all events, 
with insects which, when in danger of being captured, endeavour to 
deceive you, or implore pity, by emitting agreeable odours. 
Others shine with admirable colours. The deep reds of the Nopal 
Coccus have furnished the purple of kings. 
