Vlll PREFACE. 



Thus contemplated, the constructive skill, selecting judgment, 

 and seeming foresight of these tiny agents, as applied to the 

 preservation of themselves or offspring, are exalted into themes 

 of surpassing interest; and, as in all created things there 

 exists a purpose out of and above themselves, it is evident in 

 these displays of instinct, that the same informing principle 

 which serves in its operation to direct the animal actor, is 

 intended by its exhibition to amuse and to instruct the rational 

 spectator. To further, however little, these latter purposes is 

 the design of the ensuing pages ; it only remains to add a 

 few words explanatory, if not propitiatory, of the mode in 

 which this has been attempted. 



It is an approved device, and not a m-w one, to employ 

 iiiiLiisi'inoiit as conducive- to higher purpose. To besprinkle 



" Di soavc licor gli orli del vaso," 



to " sweeten the lip of the cup," whether it contain instruction 

 in things natural or things moral, has been the practice in 

 every work seeking popularity, from the sacred Epic to the 

 familiar Exposition ; but to that now attempted of the ways 

 and wonders of the Insect world, it may possibly be objected 

 that not merely is "the cup r sweetened at its lip, but that 



