CHAPTER XI 



THE METHOD OF THE AMMOPHIL^E ^ 



MY readers may differ in appraising the 

 comparative value of the trifling dis- 

 coveries which entomology owes to my la- 

 bours. The geologist, the recorder of 

 forms, will prefer the hypermetamorphosis 

 of the Oil-beetles, 2 the development of the 

 Anthrax^ or larval dimorphism; the em- 

 bryogenist, searching into the mysteries of 

 the egg, will have some esteem for my en- 

 quiries into the egg-laying habits of the 

 Osmia;^ the philospher, racking his brain 

 over the nature of instinct, will award the 

 palm to the operations of the Hunting 

 Wasps. I agree with the philosopher. 

 Without hesitation, I would abandon all the 

 rest of my entomological baggage for this 

 discovery, which happens to be the earliest 



1 For these Sand-wasps, cf. The Hunting Wasps: 

 chaps, xiii. and xviii. to xx. — Translator's Note. 



2 The chapter treating of this subject has not yet been 

 translated into English and will appear in a later vol- 

 ume. — Translator's Note. 



8 Cf . The Life of the Fly: chap. ii. — Translator's Note. 

 * Cf. Bramble-bees and Others: chap. iv. — Translator's 

 Note. 



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