SSG DIPTERA. 
to which it is commonly applied. When 
the larvae are first hatched they are not 
more than a tenth part of an inch long, 
but they quickly grow to about the length 
of half an inch ; within the thorax the 
future gnat has been traced, with its legs 
nicely folded up. 
Lucy, Like the tiny moth, which is 
found inside the three upper rings of the 
caterpillar. 
Mother, Yes ; but the body of this 
worm is very different from that of the 
caterpillar; the abdomen is divided into 
eight rings, and from the sides of each 
ring three or four bristles proceed. It haj^ 
also four processes, like fins, which assist 
it in swimming ; and the tail is divided 
into two parts, by one of which it steers, 
while the other contains two breathing 
tubes, or stigmatse. 
Lucy, Then, I suppose, it is in order 
to keep these little stigmatae above water 
that it hangs with its head down ? 
Mother. Just so ; and it is enabled to 
I 
