THE ANT-LION. 215 



number of enemies. Bradley, an English naturalist, 

 has calculated that two sparrows carry, in the course 

 of a week, above three thousand caterpillars to the 

 young in their nests. But though this is, probably, 

 much beyond the truth, it is certain that there is a 

 great and constant destruction of individuals going 

 forward; and yet the species is never destroyed. In 

 this way a balance is kept up, by which one portion 

 of animated nature cannot usurp the means of life 

 and enjoyment which the world offers to another 

 portion. In all matters relating to reproduction, 

 Nature is prodigal in her arrangements. Insects 

 have more stages to pass through before they 

 attain their perfect growth than other creatures. 

 The continuation of the species is, therefore, in 

 many cases, provided for by a much larger number 

 of eggs being deposited than ever become fertile. 

 How many larvae are produced, in comparison 

 with the number which pass into the pupa state; 

 and how many pupss perish before they become 

 perfect insects! Every garden is covered with cater- 

 pillars; and yet how few moths and butterflies, com- 

 paratively, are seen, even in the most sunny season! 

 Insects which lay ikw eggs are, commonly, most 

 remarkable in their contrivances for their preserva- 

 tion. The dangers to which insect life is exposed 

 are manifold; and therefore are the contrivances for 

 its preservation of the most perfect kind, and inva- 

 riably adapted to the peculiar habits of each tribe. 

 The sam.e wisdom determines the food of every spe- 

 cies of insect; and thus some are found to delight in 

 the rose-tree, and some in the oak. Had it been 

 otherwise, the balance of vegetable life would not 

 have been preserved. It is for this reason that the 

 contrivances which an insect employs for obtaining 

 its food are curious, in proportion to the natural diffi- 

 culties of its structure. The ant-lion is carnivorous, 



