cord with their ferocious habit, and enable them to bite and tear; though, from a knack of turning up the tail, which is harmless,, they appear as if preparing to defend themselves with a sting. The wings are large, and curiously folded under the clytra, which are small. When the insect is iucliued to fly, lie expands these delicate wings, and skims through the air with inconceivable light ness. Several of the small species are adorned with beautiful colours, but the largest of the British species,

The genus Forficula presents you with an object of your detestation, the Corn mon Earwig; though, before 1 dismiss it, 1 hope to convince you that your aversion rests on a false basis, and that, except the injury to which your flowers are exposed by its ravages, you lave nothing to dread from this much persecuted insect, but a great deal to admire in its curious structure. The vulgar notion, of its entering the human ear, is rejected by men of science as absurd, and ranked amongst those opinions that have originated in ignorance, and been confirmed Liy prejudice.

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