29

coat of azure, green, and gold. The caterpi1 lar is found in the hollows of old trees, and remains three years before it changes to a chrysalis.

The Dung Beetle has acquired the name of Pilularius, from living in the filthiest sub stances, and depositing its eggs in little pellets of excrement, that resemble pills.

The Cockchafer is so familiar to every child, that its figure needs no description, though it is likely that you are not so well acquainted with its habits. It is a very mischievous insect, both iii its caterpillar and perfect state: in the former it lives in ploughed lands, and makes dreadful havock among the roots of grass and corn. The cockchafer has sometimes appeared in particular districts in such numerous swarms, as to strip the trees of their foliage, and threaten r famine; but ii: the wise arrangement of Nature, where an evil prevails, a remedy is provided to cure or mitigate it. This insect, whilst a grub, aruj after it gets its wings, is the prey of many species of birds, which thin their numbers, and in general pre vent them from increasing beyond a due prom portion. The larva is very small at first, and is two or three years in attaining its full size; when it undergoes its metamorphose to a chiy

salis, in which state it remains till the succeed

in