THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 141 



is tlie view commonly taken "by those who have not investigated the 

 suhjoct. It involves consequences wliich are dangerous, and, of course, 

 erroneous. 



If we allow reason to animals, we must admit some monstrous ah- 

 surdities. The bee must be the best mathematician and philosopher ; 

 the young bird must be the best architect; the spider the best weaver ; 

 tlie beaver the best house-builder, &c., &c. 



There is no j^rogressive improvement in insect architecture ; no 

 labor-saving machinery employed ; each species has its limited capa- 

 city, and there its powers cease ; neither is instinct improved by do- 

 mestication, &c. 



The lecturer then returned to his specific theme, and by numerous 

 examples showed that insect instinct seemed to be more exquisite than 

 that of higher animals ; they showed more cunning, more art, more 

 adaptation, than other animals. 



He closed by expressing the hope that he had awakened some in- 

 terest in this long neglected subject. That though insects are small 

 animals, yet " the meanest thing hath greatness in it," for all things 

 bear the impress of the Almighty maker : Omnia plena sunt Jovis; and 

 in our investigations into the secrets of nature, we are led to praise 



" Him first, Him last, Him midst, 

 Him -witlioiit end." 



