centre from which several long ones diverge.--Ex. _Stratyomis_.
PLATE X. FIG. 15.
7. PETIOLATE (_Petiolatæ_). When an areolet is connected with
another by a stem like a footstalk[1111]. PLATE X. FIG. 8.
8. RAMULOSE (_Ramulosæ_). When an areolet sends forth a little
unconnected branch.--Ex. _Pompilus_, _Sphex_, &c.[1112]
9. ANGULAR (_Angulatæ_). When an areolet juts out on one side
into an angle from which no nervure proceeds, to form another
areolet.--Ex. _Eristalis_, _Cerceris_.[1113] PLATE X. FIG. 14.
10. DIDYMOUS (_Didymæ_). When areolets are nearly divided into two
by a nervure.--Ex. _Gyrostoma_.
11. SESQUIALTEROUS (_Sesquialteræ_). When a minute areolet
is appended to a large one.--Ex. _Postcostal areolet_ of
_Hylotoma_[1114].
* Areolets of the Costal Area.
1. COSTAL (_Costales_). Areolets, one or more, _below_ the
_stigma_. PLATE X. FIG. 14. 15. a, b.
2. POSTCOSTAL (_Postcostales_). Areolets, one or more, _above_ the
_stigma_. PLATE X. FIG. 8, 9. a, b.
* * Areolets of the Intermediate Area.
1. PROTOMESAL (_Protomesæ_). First series of the middle areolets
(_Areolæ mediæ_), often consisting of _three_, and then divided
into _upper_, _middle_, and _lower_, areolets. PLATE X. FIG. 8,
9. a.
2. DEUTEROMESAL (_Deuteromesæ_). Second series of the same, often
consisting of two, and then divided into _upper_ and _lower_.
_Ibid._ b.
3. TRITOMESAL (_Tritomesæ_). Third series of the same. _Ibid._ c.
_K._ Stigma.
1. BLIND (_Cœcum_). When the _stigma_ is wholly opaque, and
neither begins nor terminates in a minute areolet.--Ex. Most
_Hymenoptera_.
2. FENESTRATE (_Fenestratum_). When the stigma begins or
terminates in a minute areolet. PLATE X. FIG. 11. _m´´´_.
_L._ Number.
1. APTEROUS (_Aptera_). Having _no_ wings.
2. DIPTEROUS (_Diptera_). Having _two_ wings.
3. TETRAPTEROUS (_Tetraptera_). Having _four_ wings.
ι. LEGS (_Pedes_).
_A._ Number.
1. TETRAPOD (_Tetrapus_). An insect having only _four_ perfect
legs.--Ex. _Vanessa_.
2. HEXAPOD (_Hexapus_). An insect having _six_ legs.--Ex. _Insects
Proper_ in general.
3. OCTOPOD (_Octopus_). Having _eight_ legs.--Ex. _Araneidea_.
4. POLYPOD (_Polypus_). Having more than _eight_ legs but under
_fifty_.--Ex. _Glomeris_, _Cermatia_.
5. CENTIPEDE (_Centipes_). Having _more_ than _fifty_ legs but
under _two hundred_.--Ex. _Scolopendra_.
6. MYRIAPOD (_Myriapus_). Having two hundred legs or more.--Ex.
_Iulus_.
_B._ Situation.
1. ANTEPECTORAL (_Antepectorales_). The fore-legs or arms, affixed
to the _Antepectus_.
2. MEDIPECTORAL (_Medipectorales_). The mid-legs, affixed to the
_Medipectus_.
3. POSTPECTORAL (_Postpectorales_). The hind-legs, affixed to the
_Postpectus_.
4. DISTANT (_Distantes_). When the pairs of legs are remote from
each other at their base.--Ex. _Intermediate_ legs of _Copris_.
5. APPROXIMATE (_Approximati_). When they are near each other at
the base.--Ex. _Posterior_ legs of _Copris_.
6. EQUIDISTANT (_Æquidistantes_). When all the three pair are
equally distant at the base.--Ex. _Cassida_.
_C._ Duration.
1. PERSISTENT (_Persistentes_). Legs which the insect has in all
its states.--Ex. _The legs attached to the trunk._ N.B. _These
are called_ Legs (_Pedes_). PLATE XVIII. FIG. 11. _a._
2. DECIDUOUS (_Decidui_). Legs which the insect has _not_ in
all its states.--Ex. _Membranous legs of Caterpillars_.
PLATE XVIII. FIG. 11. _b._ N.B. _These are called_ Prolegs
(_Propedes_).
3. ACQUIRED (_Acquisiti_). Legs which the insect has not in its
_first_ state, but which it acquires subsequently.--Ex.
_Abdominal legs_ in _Scolopendra_, _Iulus_, &c.
_D._ Denomination.
1. FORE-LEGS (_Antici_). The _first_ pair. Taken by themselves
called _Arms_ (_Brachia_).
2. ANTERIOR (_Anteriores_). The _two first_ pair of legs.
3. MID-LEGS (_Intermedii_). The _middle_ pair of legs.
4. HIND-LEGS (_Postici_). The _last_ pair of legs.
5. POSTERIOR (_Posteriores_). The _two_ last pair of legs.
6. ABBREVIATE (_Abbreviati_). Legs with an imperfect tarsus.--Ex.
_Vanessa_.
7. AMBULATORY (_Ambulatorii_). When the tarsi have a spongy
sole.--Ex. _Chrysomela_.
8. CURSORIOUS (_Cursorii_). When, the fore tarsi of some males
excepted, they have _not_ a spongy sole.--Ex. _Carabus_,
_Cicindela_. PLATE XIV. FIG. 7.
9. SALTATORIOUS (_Saltatorii_). When the hind-legs have strong
incrassated thighs formed for _leaping_.--Ex. _Haltica_,
_Orchestes_, the _Locustina_. PLATE XIV. FIG. 5.
10. NATATORIOUS (_Natatorii_). When the legs are compressed
or ciliated, and formed for _swimming_.--Ex. _Dytiscus_,
_Gyrinus_, _Notonecta_. PLATE XIV. FIG. 6.
11. MOTATORIOUS (_Motatorii_). Legs, which when the insect is at
rest, are in a perpetual vibratory motion.--Ex. _Tipula_.
12. FOSSORIOUS (_Fossorii_). Leg with either palmate or digitate
tibiæ.--Ex. _Scarites_, _Clivinia_, _Gryllotalpa_. PLATE XV.
FIG. 5, 6.
13. RAPTORIOUS (_Raptorii_). When the strong porrected thighs,
usually of the fore-leg, have a channel for the reception of
the tibiæ, which are inflexed, and both armed with a double
series of spurs.--Ex. _Mantis_, _Nepa_.
14. PREHENSORIOUS (_Prehensorii_). When the thighs of the hind-legs
converge and the tibiæ diverge so as to form an angle which is
armed with spines.--Ex. _Gonyleptes_. PLATE XIV. Fig 8[1115].
_E._ Hip (_Coxa_).
1. FIXED (_Fixæ_). When they are _not_ moveable.--Ex. _Dytiscus_,
_Gonyleptes_.
2. FREE (_Liberæ_). When they are moveable.--Ex. _Hymenoptera_,
most _Coleoptera_.
3. LAMINATE (_Laminatæ_). When the posterior coxæ form a broad
thin plate which covers the trochanter and the base of the
thighs.--Ex. _Haliplus_. PLATE XV. FIG. 1. _p´´_.
4. FLOCCULATE (_Flocculatæ_). When the posterior coxæ are
distinguished by a curling lock of hair (_Flocculus_).--Ex.
_Andrena_[1116].
_F._ Trochanter (_Trochanter_).
1. FULCRANT (_Fulcrans_). When the trochanter merely props the
thigh below at the base, but does not at all intervene between
it and the coxa.--Ex. _Carabus_.
2. INTERCEPTING (_Intercipiens_). When the trochanter intervenes
between the thigh and the coxa, so as intirely to separate
them.--Ex. The _Petalocerous beetles_, _Hymenoptera_, &c.
3. MONOMEROUS (_Monomerus_). When it consists of only _one_
joint.--Ex. _Coleoptera_, &c.
4. DIMEROUS (_Dimerus_). When it consists of _two_ joints.--Ex.
_Ichneumon_.
_G._ Thigh (_Femur_).
1. SIMPLE (_Simplex_). When it is no where particularly thick.
2. INCRASSATE (_Incrassatum_). When it is very thick, either
partially or generally, and formed for leaping.--Ex. _Haltica_,
&c.
3. LORICATE (_Loricatum_). When the disk of the thigh appears
covered with a double series of oblique scales like a coat of
mail.--Ex. _Locusta_. PLATE XIV. FIG. 5.
_H._ Shank (_Tibia_).
1. ALATE (_Alata_). When the posterior tibia on each side is
furnished with a dilated process which probably assists it in
flight.--Ex. _Petalopus phyllopus_, &c. PLATE XV. FIG. 2. _a._
2. FOLIACEOUS (_Foliacea_). When the tibia is laterally dilated
into a thin plate for carrying pollen.--Ex. _Euglossa cordata_,
&c.
3. CORBICULATE (_Corbiculata_). When it is fringed with incurved
hairs calculated for carrying kneaded pollen.--Ex. _Apis_,
_Bombus_[1117].
4. SCOPATE (_Scopata_). When it is quite covered with a brush of
hairs with which it brushes off the gross pollen, and in which
it carries it.--Ex. _Andrena_[1118].
5. CALCARATE (_Calcarata_). When it is armed with one or more
spurs (_Calcaria_).--Ex. _The majority of insects_.
6. EXCALCARATE (_Excalcarata_). When it has no such spurs.--Ex.
_Apion_.
_I._ Foot (_Tarsus_).
1. SCOPULATE (_Scopulatus_). When the first joint on the under
side is covered with a dense brush of rigid hairs.--Ex. _Apis_,
_Andrena_, &c.[1119]
b. METATHORAX.
1. SIMULANT (_Simulans_). When the mesothorax is covered by the
prothorax, and the _Metathorax_ only is visible, under the form
of an elongated or enlarged scutellum.--Ex. The _Geocorisæ_.
PLATE XXVIII. FIG. 12.
α. POSTDORSOLUM.
1. LATENT (_Latens_). When it is covered by the mesothorax; it is
then usually a mere membrane.--Ex. Most _Coleoptera_.
2. EXPOSED (_Apertus_). When it is _not_ so covered.--Ex.
_Atractocerus_, _Hymenoptera_, &c.
β. POSTSCUTELLUM.
1. DISTINCT (_Distinctum_). When the postscutellum is distinct
from the postdorsolum.--Ex. _Locusta_. PLATE VIII. FIG. 12 _u´_.
2. COALITE (_Coalitum_). When it is not distinct.--Ex. _Blatta_.
3. SCUTELLIFORM (_Scutelliforme_). When it is a triangular
elevated prominence resembling a _scutellum_.--Ex. _Locusta_.
4. CANALIFORM (_Canaliforme_). When it is a deepish elongate
channel running from the postdorsolum to the abdomen.--Ex.
_Coleoptera_. PLATE VIII. FIG. 3. _u´_. XXVIII. FIG. 10. _u´._
5. OBLITERATE (_Obliteratum_). When this channel is nearly or
altogether obliterated.--Ex. _Hymenoptera_.
γ. POSTFRÆNUM.
1. TABULATE (_Tabulatum_). When it forms a broad pannel or table
on each side the postscutellum.--Ex. Most _Coleoptera_.
2. FUNICULATE (_Funiculatum_). When it forms a narrow ridge.--Ex.
_Pentatoma_, _Fulgora_, _Libellulina_. PLATE XXVIII. FIG. 11,
12. _v´_.
3. CRUCIATE (_Cruciatum_). When there are two funicular ridges
diverging on each side, which inclosing a pannel form together
a St. Andrew's cross, and are connected with the base of the
wings.--Ex. _Libellulina_[1120]. PLATE IX. FIG. 7. _v´._
4. ADNATE (_Adnatum_). When a funicular _Postfrænum_ is closely
adjacent to the sides of the metathorax till it nearly reaches
the wings.--Ex. _Pentatoma_.
5. TRANSCURRENT (_Transcurrens_). When a postfrænum is at first
adnate to the sides of the postscutellum, and then diverges
across the pannel to the base of the wings.--Ex. _Belostoma
grandis_.
IV. ABDOMEN.
1. COALITE (_Coalitum_). When the abdomen is not divided into
segments.--Ex. _Araneidea_, _Chelonus_.
_a._ PLICATE (_Plicatum_). When it consists of transverse
folds.--Ex. _Gonyleptes_, _Carkinodes_[1121]. PLATE XV. FIG. 11.
_b._ TENSE (_Tensum_). When it is not folded.--Ex. Most _Araneidea_.
2. INSECTED (_Sectum_). When it is divided into segments.--Ex.
Most _insects_.
3. SESSILE (_Sessile_). When it has no footstalk, but is closely
united to the trunk.--Ex. _Coleoptera_.
4. PETIOLATE (_Petiolatum_). When the first segment, or more, is
longer and much narrower than the subsequent ones, so as to
form a footstalk.--Ex. The _Sphecidæ_, _Ichneumon_.
5. ADJOINED (_Adjunctum_). When it is connected with the trunk by
a very short petiole.--Ex. _Vespa_, _Apis_.
6. SUPERIMPOSITED (_Superimpositum_). When the footstalk of the
abdomen is inserted in the upper part of the postscutellum,
so as to leave a considerable space between it and the
postpectus.--Ex. _Evania_. PLATE IV. FIG. 2.
7. RETRACTED (_Retractum_). When it is nearly withdrawn within the
trunk.--Ex. _Gonyleptes_. PLATE XV. FIG. 11.
8. OBUMBRATE (_Obumbratum_). When it is overshadowed by the trunk
and concealed under it.--Ex. _Carkinodes_. PLATE XV. FIG. 10.
9. SALTATORIOUS (_Saltatorium_). When the ventral segments or the
anus are furnished with elastic processes which enable the
animal to _leap_.--Ex. _Machilis_, _Podura_. PLATE XV. FIG. 14.
10. NATATORIOUS (_Natatorium_). When the abdomen is terminated by
flat foliaceous appendages, or the tail is ciliated on each
side with dense parallel hairs, which assist the insect in
_swimming_.--Ex. _Larva_ of _Agrion_, and _Dytiscus_.
i. CAUDA.
1. UNCINATE (_Uncinata_). When the tail is inflected so as to form
a kind of hook.--Ex. _Dolichopus_ ♂.
2. ADUNCOUS (_Adunca_). When it is crooked.--Ex. _Chelostoma
maxillosa_ ♂. (_Apis_ ** c. 2. γ. K.)
3. DISTINCT (_Distincta_). When it is distinct from the
abdomen.--Ex. _Scorpio_.
4. CHELIFEROUS (_Chelifera_). When it is terminated by a very
thick forceps somewhat resembling a lobster's claw.--Ex.
_Panorpa_ ♂. PLATE XV. FIG. 12.
5. PAPILLIFEROUS (_Papillifera_). When at the last segment but one
the tail exerts two soft fleshy organs, which secrete a milky
fluid and yield a powerful scent.--Ex. _Staphylinus_.
ii. OVIPOSITOR.
1. ENSATE (_Ensatus_). When it is long, compressed, and shaped
like a _sword_.--Ex. _Acrida_.
2. NAVICULAR (_Navicularis_). When it is shaped like a
_boat_.--Ex. _Cicada_, _Scaphura_.
3. TELESCOPIFORM (_Telescopiformis_). When it consists of several
tubes retractile within each other like the pieces of a
_telescope_. PLATE XVI. FIG. 2, 3.
4. ACULEIFORM (_Aculeiformis_). The ovipositors of Hymenopterous
insects, which consist of the same parts, with the exception of
the poison-bag (_Ioterium_), whether used as weapons or merely
in oviposition.
_a._ EXERTED (_Exertus_). When the vagina unemployed is _partly_
out of the body.--Ex. _Cleptes_.
_b._ EXTRICATED (_Extricatus_). When the valves and vagina
unemployed are _wholly_ out of the body.--Ex. _Pimpla_. PLATE
XVI. FIG. 1.
_c._ REFLEXED (_Reflexus_). When the ovipositor is turned up and
lies upon the back of the abdomen.--Ex. _Leucospis_.
_APPENDIX._
TERMS particularly applicable to LARVÆ and PUPÆ.
LARVÆ.
1. SPINNERET (_Fusulus_). The organ which spins the silk. PLATE
XXI. FIG. 9.
2. FORCIPATE LIP (_Labium Forcipatum_). Mask of larvæ and pupæ of
_Libellulina_[1122]. PLATE XVI. FIG. 5. _a._
3. UNGUIFORM MANDIBLES (_Mandibulæ unguiformes_). The parallel
claw-shaped mandibles of many _Diptera_. PLATE XX. FIG. 1, 2.
_c´._
4. PROP (_Ereisma_). A bipartite retractile glutinous organ
exerted from between the legs of the genus _Sminthurus_, and
employed by the animal to support itself when its legs fail
it[1123].
5. FECIFORK (_Fæcifurca_). The anal fork on which the larva of
_Cassidæ_, &c. carry their feces. PLATE XVIII. FIG. 2. _a._
6. MASTIGIA (_Mastigia_). Two anal organs in the larvæ of _Cerura
Vinula_, exerting from their apex a retractile flexible thread,
with which they endeavour, by lashing their sides, to drive
away the _Ichneumons_. PLATE XIX. FIG. 2. _a._
7. SYRINGES (_Syringia_). Organs situated in various parts of
larvæ, from which they ejaculate a watery fluid to annoy or
drive away their enemies[1124].
8. RUMULES (_Rumulæ_). Teat-like fleshy protuberances observable
on the bodies of various larvæ[1125].
9. AERIDUCTS (_Aëriductus_). Respiratory organs often foliaceous,
with which the sides of the abdomen, the tail, and sometimes
the trunk of aquatic larvæ and pupæ are often furnished. PLATE
XXIX. FIG. 3-7.
10. PROLEGS (_Propedes_). Fleshy exarticulate pediform often
retractile organs, which assist various larvæ in walking and
other motions, but which disappear in the perfect insect. PLATE
XVIII. FIG. 11, 12. _b._
a. CORONATE PROLEGS (_Propedes coronati_). Prolegs that have an
_intire coronet_ of crotchets. PLATE XXIII. FIG. 1.
b. SEMICORONATE PROLEGS (_Propedes semicoronati_). Prolegs that
have a _semicoronet_ of crotchets.
c. UNARMED (_Inermes_). Prolegs that have _no_ crotchets.
d. STILT PROLEGS (_Propedes grabati_). Prolegs that are
unnaturally long, and elevate the animal. PLATE XXIII. FIG. 7.
_a._
α. COALITE STILT PROLEGS (_Propedes grabati coaliti_). When stilt
prolegs unite so as to form only one leg bifid at its apex.
PLATE XXIII. FIG. 7. _b._
PUPÆ.
1. ADMINICULA (_Adminicula_). Semicoronets of minute teeth which
arm the back of the abdomen of subterraneous pupæ, by which
they are enabled to emerge from under the earth. PLATE XVI.
FIG. 13. _e._
2. CREMASTRÆ (_Cremastræ_). The anal hooks by which many pupæ
suspend themselves. PLATE XXIII. FIG. 8. _a._
3. COCOON (_Folliculus_). The silken case in which the pupæ of
many insects are inclosed. PLATE XVII. FIG. 5-8.
N.B. Other terms for Pupæ are explained VOL. III. p. 249.
FOOTNOTES:
[1074] VOL. III. p. 353--.
[1075] Ibid. p. 527.
[1076] The elytra of this Order in general differ so materially both
from membrane and corium, that it was requisite to invent a term to
distinguish them.
[1077] _Mon. Ap. Angl._ i. _t._ v. _f._ 8. _b, c._
[1078] We use this term because _subcrosa_ is employed in a quite
different sense.
[1079] We restrict the term _Figure_, to the shape of a _superficies_.
[1080] The term _falcate_ has usually been applied to signify this
figure, as well as that to which we have restricted it; but as the
truncate and sharp extremity forms a striking difference, we thought
it best to invent a new term.
[1081] We have departed from the more usual definition of
_trapezoid_, "An irregular figure whose four sides are not parallel,"
because the above is best suited to forms in insects.
[1082] We use this term to denote the shape of solid bodies.
[1083] The word employed in Botany to denote a Polygon is
_prismatical_; but since, properly defined, this term is synonymous
with _triquetrous_, we thought it best to use an adjective derived
from _prismoid_, which implies a body that approaches to prismatical.
[1084] This term in _Anatomy_ denotes any unnatural protuberance
or convexity of the body, as a person hunched, or hump-backed. In
_Astronomy_ it is used in reference to the enlightened parts of the
moon, whilst she is moving from the first quarter to the full, and from
the full to the last quarter; for all that time the dark part appears
horned or falcated, and the light one hunched out, convex or gibbous.
[1085] We employ the term _æquatus_ instead of _æqualis_ commonly
used in this sense, because _æqualis_ is also applied to magnitude,
to which we would restrict it.
[1086] I do not find in Schönherr (_Curculionid. Method. Disp._) any
genus or subgenus of Rhyncophorous beetles the characters of which
correspond with those of the insect here alluded to, which I once
thought might be a _Cyphus_ Germ. but it is not. It appears common in
Brazil, and I have at least two species of it.
[1087] _Linn. Trans._ vi. 194. _t._ xx. _f._ 5.
[1088] Germ. _Insect. Spec. Nov._ 332--. To this genus _Curculio
Tribulus_ and _quadridens_ appear to belong.
[1089] This kind of pubescence has usually been denominated sericeous
(_sericea_); but it certainly does not resemble _silk_; and is
very different from the proper sericeous splendour, exhibited by
_Cryptocephalus sericeus_.
[1090] _Mon. Ap. Angl._ 1. _t._ iv. ** c. _f._ 1. _a._
[1091] See above, p. 283. n^o 7.
[1092] Linné in _Coccinella_ has employed the term _Gutta_ for a
white or yellow spot in a darker ground, and _Pustula_ for a red spot
in a black ground. We thought one term sufficient to express spots
bigger than atoms.
[1093] See above, p. 208--.
[1094] As this work is intended for general readers as well as for
the learned, the above rules, &c. it is hoped will not be deemed
without use.
[1095] These symbols are inserted here, because they may be very
conveniently adopted in a correspondence on the subject of Entomology.
[1096] _Mon. Ap. Angl._ i. _t._ xii. * *. e. 1. _neut._ _f._ 6. _c._
and _t._ x. * *, d, 1, _f._ 1. _c._
[1097] Oliv. _Ins._ N^o. 44. _Pæderus._ _t._ i. _f._ 1. e.
[1098] Germ. _Insect. Spec._ 486--.
[1099] _Fn. Suec._ 1183. Fabricius has not admitted this moth among
his _Noctuæ_, I know not why.
[1100] Curtis, _Brit. Ent._ _t._ 154.
[1101] _Monogr. Ap. Angl._ i. 97. _t._ xii. _Apis_ **. e. 1. Neut.
_f._ 21. _d._
[1102] This term may be applied to the _Mesothorax_ in heteropterous
_Hemiptera_, in which that part lies _buried_ under the _Prothorax_.
PLATE VIII. FIG. 20. _i, k._
[1103] Chabrier _Sur le Vol des Insectes_. _Mém. du Mus._ _t._ viii. 55.
[1104] In many moths, particularly _Spilosoma ocularia_, and
affinities, the insect looks as if its neck was ornamented with a
beautiful _tippet_ formed by the _Patagia_, and its shoulders by
these _lappets_.
[1105] Neither _Chrysomela_ nor _Imatidium_ have a discoidal
_Epipleura_; which furnishes a further proof that _Notoclea_ is
distinct from _Chrysomela_, and _Imatidium_ from _Cassida_.
[1106] For the reason of this change of the name of _Locusta_ F., see
_Zool. Journ._ N^o iv.
An _Acrida_ with this spot is figured by Professor Lichtenstein.
_Linn. Trans._ iv. _t._ v. A.
[1107] Reaum. i. _t._ xx. _f._ 12-15.
[1108] _Linn. Trans._ v. _t._ iv. _f._ 10, 11. From my specimens,
which are not in a very good state, I cannot ascertain whether this
belongs to any of the modern genera into which the _Ichneumones
minuti_ of Linné are now divided.
[1109] To this genus or subgenus _Scarabæus Syphax_, _Antæus_,
_Titanus_, &c. belong.
[1110] Jones. _Linn. Trans._ ii. _t._ viii. _f._ 1, 3-6, 8.
[1111] Jurine _Hymenopt._ _t._ i. _f._ 3. _b._
[1112] _Ibid._ _t._ iii. Gen. 4, 5.
[1113] _Ibid._ _t._ x. Gen. 23, 24.
[1114] _Ibid._ _t._ vi. Gen. 2.
[1115] See Kirby in _Linn. Trans._ xii. 450--. _t._ xxii. _f._ 16.
[1116] _Mon. Ap. Angl._ i. _t._ iv. _Melitta_ **. c. _f._ 10. _a._
[1117] _Mon. Ap. Angl._ i. _t._ xii. _f._ 19. _a, b._
[1118] _Mon. Ap. Angl._ _t._ iv. **. c. _f._ 14 *. a. _f._ 12.
[1119] _Ibid._ _t._ xxi. _f._ 20.
[1120] Chabrier _Sur le Vol des Insectes_. _Ann. du Mus._ xiv. _t._
viii. _f._ 1. K. _n._
[1121] VOL. III. p. 396.
[1122] VOL. III. p. 125--.
[1123] De Geer vii. 38--. _t._ iii. _f._ 10. _rr._
[1124] VOL. II. p. 248--.
[1125] De Geer ii. 507. _t._ xi. _f._ 16. m. n.
LETTER XLVII.
_SYSTEM OF INSECTS._
Having considered insects as to their History, Anatomy and
Physiology, we must next enter a new and ample field, in which, like
most of our predecessors, we shall often be perplexed and bewildered
by the infinite variety of devious paths which traverse it, and by
the mazy labyrinths in which the more we wander the less ground we
seem to gain.--You will easily perceive I am speaking of the _System
of Insects_. System is a subject which has engaged the attention of
Naturalists from the time of Aristotle to the present day; and even
now that it has been so much and so ably discussed, they are far from
being agreed concerning it. In our own country a clue has, however,
of late been furnished, which upon the whole seems better calculated
to enable us to thread the intricate labyrinth of nature, than any
thing previously excogitated.
There are two words relating to this subject concerning which
Naturalists seem not to have very precise ideas--_Method_ and _System_.
They have often been confounded and used indifferently to signify
the same thing. Thus we hear of a Natural Method and a Natural
System. Linné seems to have regarded the _former_ of these terms as
representing the actual disposition of objects in nature[1126], while
by _System_ he understands their classification and arrangement by
Naturalists[1127]. But if we consider their real meaning,--a _Method_
should signify an _Artificial_, and a _System_ a _Natural_ arrangement
of objects[1128]. As many systematists, however, have aimed at giving
a _natural_ arrangement, though with various success,--some, as the
French school, (to which we are principally indebted for the progress
already made,) approximating nearer to the true idea than others,--and
none having a _perfect_ conception of it, of which probably in our
present state, our minds, from its intricacy, are incapable,--it
might perhaps be as well to call every arrangement whose object is
confessedly artificial, a _Method_; and that which aims at the plan of
nature, a _System_. Under this view system-makers would be divided into
two classes,--the _Methodists_ and _Systematists_.
The system of nature, which we are now to consider, may be viewed
under a double aspect; for with regard to all created objects there
is a _System_ of _Distribution_, and a _System_ of _Correlation_,
which appear to be quite independent of each other. The former will
best fall under our notice when we are treating of the _Geography_ of
insects: I shall therefore now confine myself to the latter.