_Exp. 6._ Removed _one-half_ from either wing transversely, as in experiment 5. Flight very slightly (if at all) impaired.
_Exp. 7._ Divided either pinion in the direction of its long axis into three equal parts, the anterior nervures being contained in the anterior portion. Flight perfect.
_Exp. 8._ Notched two-thirds of either pinion obliquely from behind. Flight perfect.
_Exp. 9._ Notched anterior third of either pinion transversely. The power of flight destroyed. Here, as in experiment 4, the mutilation of the anterior margin was followed by loss of function.
_Exp. 10._ Detached posterior two-thirds of right wing in its long axis, the left wing being untouched. Flight perfect. I expected that this experiment would result in loss of balancing-power; but this was not the case.
_Exp. 11._ Detached half of right wing transversely, the left one being normal. The insect flew irregularly, and came to the ground about a yard from where I stood. I seized it and detached the corresponding half of the left wing, after which it flew away, as in experiment 6.
_Dragon-Fly._--_Exp. 12._ In the dragon-fly either the first or second pair of wings may be removed without destroying the power of flight. The insect generally flies most steadily when the posterior pair of wings are detached, as it can balance better; but in either case flight is perfect, and in no degree laboured.
_Exp. 13._ Removed one-third from the posterior margin of the first and second pairs of wings. Flight in no wise impaired.
If more than a third of each wing is cut away from the posterior or thin margin, the insect can still fly, but with effort.
Experiment 13 shows that the posterior or thin flexible margins of the wings may be dispensed with in flight. They are more especially engaged in propelling. Compare with experiments 1 and 2.
_Exp. 14._ The extremities or tips of the first and second pair of wings may be detached to the extent of one-third, without diminishing the power of flight. Compare with experiments 5 and 6.
If the mutilation be carried further, flight is laboured, and in some cases destroyed.
_Exp. 15._ When the front edges of the first and second pairs of wings are notched or when they are removed, flight is completely destroyed. Compare with experiments 3, 4, and 9.