The _elytra_, or scaly wings of the genus of scarabæus, or beetle, furnish an example of this kind. The true wing of the animal is a light, transparent membrane, finer than the finest gauze, and not unlike it. It is also, when expanded, in proportion to the size of the animal, very large. In order to protect this delicate structure, and, perhaps, also to preserve it in a due state of suppleness and humidity, a strong, hard case is given to it, in the shape of the horny wing which we call the elytron. When the animal is at rest, the gauze wings lie folded up under this impenetrable shield. When the beetle prepares for flying, he raises the integument, and spreads out his thin membrane to the air. And it cannot be observed without admiration, what a tissue of cordage, _i. e._ of muscular tendons, must run in various and complicated, but determinate directions, along this fine surface, in order to enable the animal, either to gather it up into a certain precise form, whenever it desires to place its wings under the shelter which nature hath given to them, or to expand again their folds when wanted for action. [Verse: "The Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."--PSALM C.] In some insects, the elytra cover the whole body; in others, half; in others only a small part of it; but in all, they completely hide and cover the true wings. Also, Many, or most of the beetle species lodge in holes in the earth, environed by hard, rough substances, and have frequently to squeeze their way through narrow passages; in which situation, wings so tender, and so large, could scarcely have escaped injury, without both a firm covering to defend them, and the capacity of folding themselves up under its protection. 1321. _Why have many of the beetle tribe large strong horns?_ Because, as they live in holes in the earth, or in excavations in wood, they use their horns to _dig out their places of retreat_. 1322. _Why has the giraffe a small head?_ Because, being set upon the end of a very long neck, the animal would be _unable to raise it_ if it were heavy. 1323. _Why has the giraffe a long neck?_ Because it _feeds upon the branches of tall trees_. 1324. _Why has the giraffe a long and flexible tongue?_ Because it is thereby enabled to lay hold of the tender twigs and branches, _and draw them into its mouth_, avoiding the coarser parts of the branches. 1325. _Why are the nostrils of the giraffe small and narrow, and studded with hairs?_ Because the hairs and the peculiar shape of the nasal passages are designed as a protection against the insects which inhabit the boughs of the trees upon which the giraffe feeds; and also against the sands of the desert, which storms raise into almost suffocating clouds. * * * * *