AUTHOR'S PREFACE 



In the building of the nest, the family 

 safeguard, we see the highest manifestation 

 of the faculties of instinct. That clever 

 architect, the bird, teaches us as much; and 

 the insect, with its still more diverse talents, 

 repeats the lesson, telling us that maternity 

 is the supreme inspirer of instinct. En- 

 trusted with the preservation of the species, 

 which is of more importance than the preser- 

 vation of individuals, maternity awakens in 

 the drowsiest intelligence marvellous gleams 

 of foresight; it is the thrice sacred hearth 

 where are kindled those mysterious psychic 

 fires which will suddenly burst into flame and 

 dazzle us with their semblance of infallible 

 reason. The more maternity asserts itself, 

 the higher does instinct ascend. 



In this respect no creatures are more de- 

 serving of our attention than the Hy- 

 menoptera, upon whom the cares of ma- 

 ternity devolve in their fulness. All these 

 favourites of instinct prepare board and 

 lodging for their offspring. They become 

 master-craftsmen in a host of trades for the 



