INTRODUCTORY LETTER. 19 



of generation so clearly developed, and that these mi- 

 nims of nature should be endowed with instincts in many 

 cases superior to all our boasted powers of intellect — 

 truly these wonders and miracles declare to every one 

 who attends to the subject, " The hand that made us is 

 divine." We are the work of a Being infinite in power, 

 in wisdom, and in goodness. 



But no religious doctrine is more strongly established* 

 by the history of insects than that of a superintending 

 Providence. That of the innumerable species of these 

 beings, many of them beyond conception fragile and 

 exposed to dangers and enemies without end, no link 

 should be lost from the chain, but all bo maintained 

 in those relative proportions necessary for the general 

 good of the system ; that if one species for a while pre- 

 ponderate, and instead of preserving seem to destroy, 

 yet counterchecks should at the same time be provided 

 to reduce it within its due limits ; and further, that the 

 operations of insects should be so directed and over- 

 ruled as to effect the purposes for which they were 

 created and never exceed their commis-ion : nothing 

 can furnish a stronger proof than this, that an unseen 

 hand holds the reins, now permitting one to prevail and 

 now another, as shall best promote certain wise ends ; 

 and saying to each, " Hitherto shalt thou come and no 

 further." 



So complex is this mundane system, and so incessant 

 the conflict between its component parts, an observa- 

 tion which holds good particularly with regard to in- 

 sects, that if instead of being under such control it were 

 left to the agency of blind chance, the v.hole must in- 

 evitably soon be deranged and go to ruin. Insects, in 



c 2 



