posal, provided Mamma will be

come our tutoress.

"Most certainly, my dear, I shall comply with your wishes with pleasure, and will, therefore, postpone my visit to another day, and as there is nothing like making sure of the time present, we will sit here and commence our rational

conversation."

Mary.

Mary.In the first place, then, I wish to know, if all large creatures, of this description, are called insects, such as the Chafers found in oak-trees, &c. &c.

Mrs Delville.-All, without exception, my dear-Insects are so called, from a separation in the middle of their bodies, whereby

they are cut into two parts, which are joined together by a small li gament.

Maria. This is very plainly understood, Mamma, I think I shall be delighted with a farther

account;

account; pray are they of any use to any thing; you say the maggot destroys the roots of plants, that seems inconsistent to me, that they should-be suffered to do so.

Mrs. Delville.-Some are em ployed in preparing, some purifying, and others in destroying, the materials on which they work.

Mary.-How wonderful it

ap-..

pears, but not more so than the growth of trees, of herbs, and

all

all things on the face of the earth -----but I interrupt you.

Mrs Delville.-The influence of Insects, in the economy of nature, is very great; they preserve a due proportion among plants, consume what is misplaced, dead, or decayed, and, themselves, afford nourishment to other animals, chiefly.birds. Thus the study of Insects seems to be very important. T

Maria. Indeed, Mamma, it appears so, and how happy I am,

that

that my folly in being frightened

at so innocent and inoffensive a

What

creature as a Chafer, has led to this charming discovery is a Chrysalis, Mamma?

Mrs. Delville.-It is the next state, that is, the second, of an insect, being dryer and harder

than the maggot, confined in a

narrow compass, and is either naked, or covered with a kind of web-it is called, also, Pupa.

Maria. What a droll name.

Mrs.