42 THE LIFE OF AN INSECT. 



of others, and so destroy them, is of inestimable 

 benefit. It is quite impossible to imagine what 

 would be the result, were weevils, caterpillars, 

 and such like insects, to be permitted to multiply 

 without a check. Produce of all kinds would soon 

 be consumed, and the desolations of an universal 

 famine would overwhelm man and beast. But 

 God has been pleased to ordain it otherwise. In 

 proportion to the increase of the destroyers is the 

 increase of those that prey upon and destroy them. 

 Thus, what has been well called the balance of 

 creation is preserved, and by means of the insects 

 in question, conjoined to other causes, is the 

 command to the destroying powers enforced 

 " Hitherto shall ye come, but no farther." 



