confuted likewise by more attentive observa Lion, which might partly be attributed to the want of the microscope: they affirmed that insects had no blood, because it is clear and watery, instead of red. But the circulation of the blood is very visible iii spiders; and espe dally in the common bug, in which the vibra tions and contractions of the arteries are to be plainly discerned.

Animals of a different nature have been con founded with insects, such as snails, several kinds of worms, &c. Those tiny creatures called anitnaicuies, are by some erroneously classed with insects, but in reality belong to the very different tribe of oerrnes, or worm-like animals.

Insects are very short-lived: few of them survive a year, many do not live half that time and the existence of some does not extend beyond a days This law of their nature is not without exceptions: bees, sonic butterflies, and spiders, are said to live a considerable time.

Insects, like other animals, are generally of two sexes, male and female; but amongst such as live in communities, as ants, bees, &c. the

greater number are of neither sex, These

neuters, as they are called, are the slaves or labourers of the family; they build the cells, collect provisions, and perform the whole interior economy.

The