430 SCIENCE PROGRESS 



attention to Fabre's work, most, if not all, of which can be read 

 with profit and enjoyment by layman and scientist alike. 

 The chapters are annotated, but in some places the reference 

 numbers seem to be wrongly placed in the text. 



Why it is that Fabre and his works remained practically 

 unknown is hard to understand, for he certainly deserves a 

 wider circle of readers than he had a few years ago. Perhaps 

 it is because of his retiring or even slightly resentful disposition 

 and his absolute distaste for any sort of advertisement. Then, 

 too, he was a very bad correspondent, only scanning most of 

 the letters sent to him, and writing infrequently to but a few 

 people. Also it must not be forgotten that he strongly opposed 

 the Evolution Theory at the height of its popularity, and 

 this, in our opinion, without thoroughly grasping it. Finally, 

 he paid but little attention to the works of other scientists. 

 Allowing all this, however, there still remains the wonderful 

 mind, the unceasing labour, ingenious experimentation, and 

 ' infinite capacity for taking pains." When he writes it is as 

 a poet writing of the things he loves, and his vivid personality 

 is infused into his words. His inimitable writings will stand 

 the test of time, and should prove an inspiration to many, for 

 who before him has sung the glories and fascination of the 

 insect like this hermit poet of Provence ? 





