62 NATURE AND THE INSECT-LIFE. 
ancient corporations, the test-work of this workman, by which he proves 
himself to be a master, is the cradle. In the Insect World, as the mother 
generally dies in giving birth to her child, it is important to provide 
an ingenious asylum which shall protect and support the orphan, and 
supply the mother’s place. So difficult a work requires tools and im- 
plements which seem to us inexplicable. This, which you compare to 
«a medieval poignard, to the subtly treacherous weapon of the Italian 
bravo, is, on the contrary, an instrument of love and maternity. 
For the rest, Nature is so far from sharing our prejudices, dislikes, 
and childish apprehensions, that she seems specially to care for and 
protect the gnawing species which injuriously interfere with the 
economy of our small farms and plantations, but which, on the other 
hand, lend valuable assistance in maintaining the balance of species and 
keeping down the vegetable accumulation of certain climates. She 
preserves with watchful anxiety the caterpillars which we destroy. In 
the case of the oak-grub, she is mindful to glaze over or varnish its 
eggs, so that, concealed under the withered leaf, and beaten by winds 
and rains, they may safely brave the winter. The crawling worms 
make their appearance clothed in and defended by a thick furry garb, 
which deceives their enemies, until, transformed into moths, they fly 
to and fro in happy freedom under cover of the might. 
For some she invents still greater precautions. Essential agents, 
undoubtedly, in the transformation of life, they possess, beyond. all 
others, the guarantees of existence which secure them, infallibly, an 
immortality of race. 
The grubs, for instance, alternately viviparous and oviparous, 
spring into full life in the summer, that they may the more quickly set 
to work, but are produced in autumn in the shape of an egg, that they 
may the better endure the cold of winter. Finally, their generous 
mother reserves for this beloved species an unheard-of gift,—that a 
moment of love shall give them the fecundity of forty generations ! 
Creatures so highly privileged have evidently some task to execute, 
some great and important mission which renders them indispensable, 
and makes them an essential part of the harmony of the world. Suns 
are necessary, but so also are gnats. Grand is the order of the Milky 
