vi PREFACE. 
sciences, though accused of withering the soul, and robbing Nature of poetry 
and life of enchantment, contain the elements of a profound and varied 
poetry, that never loses its charm, because it is not dependent on the caprices 
of taste and fashion, but has its source in the unchangeable reality of things. 
Many have said that science will drive out religion and poetry ; Michelet finds 
in every branch of science the demonstration of a new faith, revealing to 
him a harmony till then unperceived, centred in the supreme unity of the 
Divine mind and of the Absolute Being.” 
Whether the reader endorses this high eulogium or not, he will certainly, 
in “The Insect,” as in “The Bird,” find a new stimulus to the study of Nature, 
and a fresh proof of the power and fancy of one of the greatest of modern 
French writers. 
Of the present translation, it is necessary only to say that it has been 
executed with a conscientious adherence to the original, and with an effort to 
preserve, as far as possible, its peculiarities of style. If it should be thought 
that in the attempt something of freedom and fluency has been sacrificed, it is 
hoped the critic will acknowledge that something of faithfulness has been gained. 
The author of “The Insect ” took much interest in the presentation of it and 
its companions to the English reader in an English dress, and was pleased to 
express his approval of the manner in which the Translator had accomplished 
his task. 
It remains to be added that the exquisite Illustrations, by M. H. Giacomelli, 
have all been specially drawn and engraved for the English edition. 
W. H. DAVENPORT ADAMS. 
