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habitants secure themselves from these diner ous enemies, during the night, by placing thern feet of their bed-posts in vessels of water.

Scolopendra forficala is the largest species

found in our island, and is frequently seen in moist places ; such as decayed wood, beneath stones, garden pots, &c. It has a fine polish on its skin, which is nearly of the same colour as that of a chesnut. On each side it is furnished with fifteen legs, which enable it to move with agility and elegance.

One species, Scolopendra electrica, when disturbed, emits a phosphoric light of consider ble brilliancy. As this appearance has not been noticed whilst the creature is at rest, we may suppose it arises from a voluntary act, designed as a defence, or a mark of hostiiity

The last genus, Julus, has a near affinity with the Scolopendrw, in figure and habits; but differs from them in having a round, instead of a flat i)ody ; and having two pair of feet to each ring, whilst the Scolopendrw have only one. The mouth is armed with toothed jaws, of a curved shape, whkh have a formidable appearance; but the creature, when touch

ed, seems to rely fr safety on its facility of rolling itself up in a flat spiral, with its minerows feet turned outwards, and, at the same time, inclined towards the ground.

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