CHAPTER IV. 
LOVE AND DEATH. 
ABOVE the infinite elementary life——that quasi- 
vegetable life in which generation is but, as it were, 
CRE > a-budding,—begins the distinct, individual, and 
cm | J} complete organism whose strongly centralized 
A y electric network of nerves is able to sympathize 
directly with the rapid energy of its acts and re- 
solutions. 
However humble the insect may seem in appear- 
ance, it is from the first independent of the immovy- 
able, expectant existence of all the inferior races. 
It is born entirely free from that communistic 
es 
atalism which merges the being of each in the life 
of all. It exists independently; it moves, goes, 
comes, advances or returns, changes its determina- 
tion or its direction at pleasure, or in obedience 
to its wants, appetites, and caprices. It suffices 
for itself; it foresees, provides, defends, and boldly confronts the most 
unexpected chances. 
