BEETLE, OR SCARAB^US. 95 
memory so severely ; there is no necessity 
to remember the names of all the genera. 
It is sufficient to be well acquainted with 
the marks which distinguish the order, 
and then, upon examination of any indi- 
vidual, you may, by reference to a proper 
book, readily discover its genus and par- 
ticular species. If the parts of insects, 
and their various characters, are well fixed 
in your head, you will be surprised to 
find with how little trouble, and how 
much amusement, you will acquire the 
knowledge of a great mynber of the 
genera, by examining the insects which 
you chance to find. 
Lucy. That indeed will be delightful ; 
but you must describe some of the genera 
to me, that I may know how to set about 
examining them. 
Mother, Willingly; we shall begin 
with the beetle, or scarabceits, which is the 
first genus, and of which there are several 
species. This genus is thus character- 
ized : antennae clavated, the extremities 
fissile, and five joints in the foot. 
